A new mayor was tragically murdered on Wednesday in Ecuador, amidst the ongoing “internal armed conflict” declared by President Daniel Noboa against organized crime gangs. The victim, identified as José Sánchez, was the mayor of the municipality of Camilo Ponce Enríquez in the southern Andean province of Azuay.
The news of Sánchez’s murder was confirmed by provincial prefect Jota Lloret Valdivieso through social media. Lloret Valdivieso expressed deep sadness over the loss, stating, “Between sobs and helplessness, municipal officials have just confirmed the cold-blooded murder of fellow canton mayor Camilo Ponce Enríquez.”
The provincial prefect extended condolences to Sánchez’s family, friends, and constituents, while calling for authorities to swiftly bring those responsible for the crime to justice. The murder has sparked additional mourning in Azuay and across Ecuador.
The wave of violence in the country is largely attributed to organized crime gangs, prompting the government to take action through the declared internal armed conflict against these criminal groups. The situation remains tense as authorities work to address the ongoing violence plaguing the nation. EFE报道