**Ecuadorian Cockfight Massacre: Four Arrested Following Deadly Shooting**

**In a shocking incident, gunmen attacked a cockfighting ring in Ecuador, resulting in the deaths of twelve spectators. Authorities have arrested four suspects believed to be linked to organized crime, as the country grapples with escalating gang violence associated with drug trafficking.**

A tragic event unfolded at a cockfighting ring in La Valencia, Ecuador, where armed attackers opened fire, leaving twelve people dead and injuring several others. In response to the violence, authorities have arrested four individuals believed to be involved in the attack. During police operations, they confiscated weapons and replicas of police and military uniforms, pointing toward a coordinated effort by criminal elements.

Eyewitness footage circulating on social media captured the horrifying moment as the gunmen entered the venue, leading terrified spectators to scramble for safety. The local media reports suggest that the assailants were part of a rival gang targeting opponents present at the cockfight, a popular yet controversial event in the region.

Ecuador has been witnessing an alarming rise in gang-related violence, fueled primarily by drug trafficking. The country hosts an estimated twenty criminal organizations competing for control over key drug routes, particularly in the aftermath of increasing coke shipments from neighboring Colombia and Peru. Since January, violence has surged, with over 780 murders reported, many linked to the drug trade.

In light of this tragic incident, Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa has underscored the need to address the growing crisis, noting that nearly 70% of the world’s cocaine now passes through Ecuador’s ports en route to the United States and European markets. The Ecuadorean government is now tasked with investigating not only the recent attack but also the broader implications of organized crime throughout the nation.