Ecuador: Mayor of Arenillas, El Oro Province, killed late Jan. 11 in armed attack

Reports indicate that the mayor of Arenillas in El Oro Province was killed in an armed attack late Jan. 11. An unidentified individual on a motorcycle shot at a municipal vehicle that was carrying the mayor and his son; the latter was injured. Officials have not announced any arrests or the motive behind the incident.

Heightened security is likely in the city over the coming days as investigations continue. Associated disruptions are possible.

Arenillas is located around 195 km (121 miles) southwest of Cuenca, Azuay Province.