Ecuador's youngest mayor assassinated

In Ecuador, San Vicente Mayor Brigitte Garcia and the region's Director of Communications, Jairo Loor, have lost their lives following an assassination.

According to a report by Merco Press, in Ecuador, where a state of emergency has been in effect for over two months due to a security crisis, 27-year-old Garcia—the country's youngest mayor—and Loor were found dead in the vehicle they were traveling in.

POLICE ISSUE STATEMENT ON THE INCIDENT

In a statement released by the Ecuadorian National Police, it was reported that bullet wounds were detected on the bodies of Garcia and Loor. The police stated that the attackers opened fire from inside the vehicle.

REACTION FROM FORMER PRESIDENT CORREA

Former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa also expressed his reaction on his social media account, stating that he was deeply affected by the news of Garcia's death, adding, "I can imagine what their families are going through."

SECURITY CRISIS IN ECUADOR

Diana Carnero, a 29-year-old council member for the coastal municipality of Naranjal in Guayas province, was also killed by hired assassins on February 7.

The Ecuadorian government, which has been struggling with a security crisis across the country for some time, declared a 60-day state of emergency on January 9 following the escape of drug gang leader Adolfo Macias, known as "Fito," and several other inmates from a prison in Guayas, followed by bomb attacks on police vehicles.

On March 7, it was announced that under the state of emergency, which was extended for 30 days, a curfew would be implemented between 23:00 and 05:00.

Following the state of emergency decision, criminal organizations kidnapped numerous police officers and set vehicles on fire.

Furthermore, footage was shared on social media showing police officers kidnapped by gang members pleading for help from President Daniel Noboa with guns held to their heads.