A tragic incident unfolded in Ecuador as gunmen carried out a deadly shooting in a restaurant located in the tourist hotspot of Montanita, killing at least six people and injuring six others.

The attack occurred on Saturday night in a bustling area known for its vibrant nightlife, situated along the Pacific coast. The authorities provided limited details regarding the victims’ identities or ages.

Ecuador, positioned between major cocaine producers Colombia and Peru, has been grappling with a significant surge in crime, primarily attributed to drug trafficking.

The escalating crime rates have led to a nearly twofold increase in the murder rate between 2021 and 2022.

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The recent shooting in Montanita follows another mass shooting just days prior, where gunmen stormed a funeral home in the nearby town of Manta, resulting in the death of four individuals and leaving eight wounded.

President Guillermo Lasso, taking action against the rising crime wave, declared a state of emergency in the most affected provinces, including Santa Elena, encompassing Montanita.

This measure permits the deployment of soldiers on the streets and the implementation of curfews.

The government attributes the violence to clashes between drug gangs vying for power and control over drug trafficking routes to Europe and the United States, leading to a deadly cycle of confrontations both within and outside prison walls.