Why Are Pool Halls in Ecuador Becoming Targets of Deadly Shootings?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Ecuador has witnessed another tragic shooting incident, this time at a pool hall in Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas. Gunmen disguised as soldiers opened fire, leaving seven dead and three injured. The nation grapples with rising violence and a surge in homicides, raising urgent questions about safety and security.
Key Takeaways
- Seven people dead and three injured in pool hall shooting.
- Attackers dressed as military personnel.
- Second shooting incident in a month.
- Victims had criminal records.
- Government declared a state of 'internal armed conflict'.
Quito, Sep 13 (NationPress) Gunmen posing as military personnel launched an attack inside a pool hall in Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, northwestern Ecuador, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals and injuring three others, according to local media reports.
The assailants arrived in a vehicle around 10:30 p.m. local time, opening fire indiscriminately on patrons in the pool hall situated in the Nuevo Amanecer neighborhood, as reported by the Xinhua news agency, citing the local outlet Primicias.
This incident marks the second mass shooting in a pool hall in the Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas province within a month, following a similar attack that claimed seven lives on August 17, according to police accounts.
Among the deceased and two injured were individuals with criminal backgrounds related to drug trafficking, criminal associations, murder, and theft, as detailed in a police report.
Images circulated by local media depict several men in black attire, equipped with vests and caps, arriving at the scene and unleashing gunfire on the crowd, causing many to drop to the ground.
The vehicle believed to have been used by the attackers was discovered burned in another area of the city, as stated by Benavides.
Ecuador has witnessed 4,619 homicides in the first half of 2025, signifying a 47 percent increase compared to the same timeframe last year, marking the highest six-month toll in the nation’s history, according to the Ecuadorian Organized Crime Observatory.
In response to the escalating violence, the Ecuadorian government has intensified its efforts against drug trafficking gangs since President Daniel Noboa declared a state of "internal armed conflict" in January 2024.
Point of View
I believe it is crucial to report on the alarming rise in violence in Ecuador, particularly in light of the recent pool hall shootings. While the government is making efforts to combat drug trafficking, the reality is that these incidents are causing fear and insecurity among the populace. Our priority remains to provide accurate and responsible reporting as the situation unfolds.
NationPress
14/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the shooting in Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas?
Gunmen disguised as soldiers opened fire in a pool hall, resulting in multiple casualties.
How many people were killed in the shooting?
At least seven individuals were reported dead following the attack.
Is this the first shooting incident in Ecuador this month?
No, this is the second mass shooting at a pool hall in the Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas province in less than a month.
What measures is the Ecuadorian government taking in response to the violence?
The government has declared a state of 'internal armed conflict' to combat the rising influence of drug trafficking gangs.
What is the current homicide rate in Ecuador?
Ecuador recorded 4,619 homicides in the first half of 2025, a 47 percent increase from the previous year.
