The first explosion occurred near the Juan Montalvo Market, causing damage to a vehicle and surrounding buildings but leaving no injuries. The second explosion took place in the city’s downtown, causing panic among merchants and passersby, with no fatalities or injuries.

Authorities reported that a minor was arrested for his possible connection to Wednesday’s explosion in front of a nightclub. Guayaquil mayor Aquiles Alvarez announced that they are analyzing the information from surveillance cameras as well as citizen testimonies.

Despite states of emergency, curfews, and the militarization of prisons and neighborhoods, violence persists in Ecuador, and organized crime gangs maintain their ability to operate. In this context, the Armed Forces, whose leadership was recently renewed, announced a “new phase of the war” against organized crime in which they will attack “with greater force, with renewed strategies, and a more aggressive and territorial military offensive.”

Ecuador recorded 5,200 cases of violent deaths between January and July 2025, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior.

Interior Minister John Reimberg defended the executive branch’s strategy to curb organized crime and stated that 84 percent of the victims belong to gangs.

jdt/mem/avr