At least six people were killed during an armed attack late on New Year’s Eve in the Ecuadorian port city of Manta.
The shooting occurred at around 11 p.m. local time in the Nueva Esperanza neighbourhood of the Eloy Alfaro parish.
Armed men reportedly stormed a private gathering and opened fire indiscriminately on people celebrating the new year.
Authorities said six people died at the scene while at least twelve others were wounded.
The victims included a minor, one woman and four men aged between 26 and 45.
The attack triggered panic among residents and prompted an immediate response from police and emergency services.
Local media reported that security forces quickly cordoned off the area following the shooting.
Manabi province has been placed under a state of emergency amid a surge in organised criminal violence.
Ecuadorian authorities have struggled to contain rising insecurity in several coastal regions.
Investigations are underway to identify those responsible for the attack and determine the motive.