Ten people were killed in a mass shooting early Sunday in the rural southwestern province of El Oro, an area currently under a state of emergency, according to local police.

Among the fatalities, authorities discovered a dismembered body concealed in a bag, police commander Pablo Fajardo confirmed during a press briefing.

El Oro, along with other regions in Ecuador, has been grappling with escalating violence linked to organized crime. The state of emergency was declared to address rising insecurity, but the latest incident highlights the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement and local communities.

Authorities are investigating the motives behind the attack and have yet to confirm any suspects or affiliations. Details about the victims or the circumstances leading to the shooting remain sparse as police work to gather evidence.

Ecuador has been facing a surge in violent crime, particularly in areas linked to drug trafficking and gang activities. The government’s emergency measures include curfews and military deployments in an effort to curb the violence.

The tragic incident adds to the mounting toll of casualties in the region, underscoring the urgent need for effective security strategies. (ILKHA)