Deadly Pool Hall Shooting in Santo Domingo Raises Alarm Over Gang Violence in Ecuador
At least seven people were shot dead at a pool hall in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, marking the latest violent incident linked to the country’s growing gang problem, police reported Sunday.
Details of the Attack
The shooting took place in the nightlife district of Santo Domingo, about 150 kilometers west of Quito, the capital city. According to the national police, all seven victims died from gunshot wounds. Security camera footage circulating online shows several masked gunmen firing at two men near the pool hall’s entrance, causing panic among pedestrians. The attackers then entered the venue and continued shooting before fleeing as a police vehicle arrived. Authorities have not yet verified the footage independently.
Similar Incidents and Growing Violence
This massacre follows a similar deadly attack last month at a pool hall in the southwestern tourist city of General Villamil Playas, where nine people were killed. Once considered one of the more peaceful countries in Latin America, Ecuador has seen a sharp rise in violence due to expanding transnational drug cartels.
The Drug Cartel Impact
Drug trafficking organizations have increasingly used Ecuador’s strategic ports to ship narcotics to the United States and Europe. This expansion has contributed to a sharp increase in violent crime, pushing the national homicide rate from six per 100,000 people in 2018 to 38 per 100,000 in 2024.
Urgent Need for Security Solutions
The recent shooting in Santo Domingo highlights the escalating security challenges Ecuador faces as it battles gang violence and drug trafficking. The country’s authorities are under pressure to strengthen law enforcement efforts to restore safety and stability for its citizens.