Ecuador - October 2025

At least four explosives detonated in different parts of Ecuador in October. These included car bombs and other explosive devices in Guayaquil and surrounding areas, as well as in the province of Guayas. Authorities have attributed the attacks to criminal groups, including the Los Lobos gang, apparently in response to security force operations against illegal mining, though investigations are still ongoing. At least 27 people were killed, and dozens more were injured in attacks that signal the increasing use of terrorist tactics by organized crime groups in Ecuador. Although the use of explosives by organized crime groups in Ecuador is not new, it indicates an intensification of the use of indiscriminate violence in response to security operations.

Sources: Teleamazonas, Infobae, Teleprensa, El Pais

On 8 October, a convoy in which President Daniel Noboa was travelling was attacked amid a national strike against recent economic measures. The strike, which had been convened by social and Indigenous organizations since September, aimed to pressure the government into backtracking the elimination of diesel subsidies. The strike had included blockades to some highways and roads. In this context, Noboa’s convoy was to deliver ‘humanitarian aid’ to some of the regions impacted by the blockades. Government officials allege that, in addition to being attacked by rocks and Molotov cocktails, the president’s vehicle was also struck by bullets. The government has characterized these actions as acts of terrorism, and criminal investigations are underway with at least five people arrested. Later in the month, President Noboa claimed he had been given food products laced with dangerous chemicals in an attempt to poison him.

Sources: The Guardian, DW, Swissinfo, CNN