One man has been killed and several others shot in a targeted attack at Ecuador's Guayaquil airport, with two teenagers aged 15 and 16 detained by security officials in connection with the incident.
Attack Details
A shocking attack unfolded at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, leaving travellers caught in the crossfire. Footage from inside the airport circulated online, showing complete chaos as distraught relatives tended to the injured and deceased. An eyewitness account on social media described a "heavy shootout" inside the airport with "several people shot." According to local reports, one man lost his life on Wednesday, June 17, near the airport entrance.
Targeted Assassination Attempt
The assault is believed to be part of a targeted assassination attempt. Initial reports indicate the victim, thought to be the intended target, had just landed alongside his wife when he was attacked. The injured survivor was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Arrests Made
Ecuadorian Home Secretary John Reimberg confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, were detained by security officials. They were found carrying two firearms at the time of their arrest. A source within Ecuador's Ministry of the Interior confirmed to PRIMICIAS that the pair were apprehended in the airport terminal car park.
State of Emergency
The attack comes just 24 hours after Ecuador declared a state of emergency across 10 provinces due to a surge in gang-related violence and organized crime. All flights to and from the airport have been temporarily halted, and the area remains under lockdown, according to the Home Secretary.
