News|CrimeExplosions hit Ecuador, local criminal gang and ex-FARC dissidents blamedThe bridge explosions occur just hours after a car bomb went off outside a shopping mall in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city.
Recent explosions have affected various regions in Ecuador, with officials attributing the incidents to a local criminal gang and Colombian ex-FARC dissidents. These groups allegedly targeted two bridges as a reaction to a significant military operation…
Recent explosions have affected various regions in Ecuador, with officials attributing the incidents to a local criminal gang and Colombian ex-FARC dissidents. These groups allegedly targeted two bridges as a reaction to a significant military operation against illegal miners.
Explosives were placed on bridges to impede traffic, as stated by Transport Minister Roberto Luque, who labeled the incidents as terrorism. No casualties have been reported, though roads to the affected areas remain closed.
Interior Minister John Reimberg has accused the Ecuadorian gang Los Lobos and former FARC rebels of orchestrating the blasts. These took place following security operations that dismantled illegal mining activities in northern Ecuador and led to the arrest of ex-FARC members.
There have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the explosions, and no arrests have been made. The US State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs condemned the attacks, describing them as brazen terrorist activities against the Ecuadorian populace.
The explosions caused damage to the bridge in the city of Naranjal, approximately 290 km southwest of Quito, as confirmed by a police report. Marcela Aguinaga, prefect of the Guayas province, denounced the incident as a criminal act.
These groups allegedly targeted two bridges as a reaction to a significant military operation against illegal miners.
The second explosion affected a bridge connecting Azuay and El Oro provinces, leading to the closure of the route due to a possible structural collapse. Local media released images showing debris and damage to vehicles on the bridge.
These bridge explosions followed a car bombing outside a shopping mall in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. Another vehicle with explosives was found nearby but was successfully deactivated.
The Attorney General’s Office has initiated an investigation into the blasts, and the government has offered a reward for information leading to the identification and apprehension of those responsible.
President Daniel Noboa, addressing the incidents, emphasized that criminal groups are attempting to destabilize the government. He affirmed that the nation must not yield to those aiming to instill fear among Ecuadorian families.
In March, a vehicle explosion occurred outside Ecuador’s largest prison near Guayaquil, resulting in the death of a prison guard. The country has experienced several car bomb attacks in 2023, contributing to the ongoing wave of criminal violence since early 2021.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.