19 May 2022 | 02:36 PM UTC
Ecuador: Police arrest six people May 19 following car explosions and gunfire in Esmeraldas late May 18 /update 1
Police confirm they arrested six people May 19, following car explosions and gunfire in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, May 19.
Event
Officials confirmed May 19 that police arrested six people following two car explosions and gunfire that broke out in Esmeraldas, late May 18. Besides the arrests, police also recovered guns and ammunition during their operation.
The explosions occurred at around 23:00 May 18, in two different locations of Esmeraldas: one exploded in front of the Luis Vargas Torres School, and the other at the intersection of Avenida Malecon and Espejo. According to the investigation, the suspects used explosives and gas tanks in the two vehicles that detonated; both of them were taxis. The suspects temporarily detained the drivers of the taxis, although they were later found mostly unharmed. Gunfire also broke out at the time of the explosions.
There were no casualties associated with the incidents. Heightened security and traffic disruptions are likely to continue near blast sites.
Esmeraldas is 180 km (112 miles) northwest of Quito.
Context
A government-mandated curfew in Esmeraldas is still in effect 23:00 and 05:00.
Esmeraldas province, along with Guayas and Manabi, have been under a government state of emergency since April 30. The government is attempting to stem a wave of murder and violent crime, including targeted killings of police officers, related to gangs.
Advice
Avoid the blast sites until authorities have completed their investigation and given the all-clear. Keep away from areas where security personnel appear to be deploying or gathering. Heed all curfew orders and instructions of security personnel. Transportation disruptions likely through central Esmeraldas through May 20.
