"Rising Violence in Ecuador: Mayors Seek Police Protection as Youngest Mayor Killed in Targeted Shooting"

Forty-five mayors in Ecuador have requested police protection in the past year as violence grips the country, with 22 local officials dying in violent circumstances since 2023. The mayors face threats and violence from organized crime groups, with the country's ports becoming hubs for drug smuggling. President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency and designated 22 gangs as terrorist groups after a series of violent incidents, including the recent killing of the 27-year-old mayor of San Vicente and her communications director.