29 May 2022 | 01:58 PM UTC
Ecuador: Explosion in Guayaquil, May 29
Explosion in Guayaquil, Ecuador, early May 29. No casualties were reported.
Event
An explosion occurred outside of a police facility (Unidad de Vigilancia Comunitaria, UVC) in Guayaquil's La Florida area early May 29. Media reports have described the blast as a car bomb. There have been no reports of casualties. Further details are unavailable.
Heightened security is likely in the area until investigations conclude. Police operations could result in some localized ground travel delays.
Context
While the motive for the apparent attack is unclear, it does coincide with an ongoing State of Exception in Ecuador's northwestern Guayas, Manabi, and Esmeraldas provinces. The order was imposed in April to combat organized crime. A connection between organized criminal groups and the explosion remains probable.
Advice
Exercise caution in the impacted location. Heed the instructions of local officials. Plan for some road travel delays.
