The recent drive-by shooting in the town of Durán, Ecuador, is part of a violent surge connected to ongoing conflicts between two notorious gangs: the Latin Kings and the Chone Killers. This attack, the third in one week, has raised the death toll in Durán to 17 as gang violence escalates in the region near Guayaquil. The shooting targeted individuals leaving a pool hall, and authorities suggest it was a retaliatory attack by the Latin Kings.

Durán has experienced a transformation from a bustling commercial hub into a center of organized crime, largely due to its role in drug trafficking. The homicide rate in the municipality has soared to 147 per 100,000, reflecting the intensity of the conflict between criminal organizations vying for control over drug routes and local markets. The violence stems from longstanding rivalries between gangs, who also engage in extortion and recruitment of minors.

The escalation in violence follows the killing of five gang members earlier in the week, sparking a series of retaliatory attacks. Despite a state of emergency declared across six Ecuadorian provinces, including Guayas, and efforts to crack down on gangs, the situation remains dire.

Ecuador’s rise as a major drug trafficking hub has led to an increase in violent crime, with the national murder rate climbing dramatically in recent years. The government’s measures have shown some progress, with a reported decline in murders compared to the previous year, but the security challenges posed by powerful gangs remain significant.