SANTO DOMINGO DE LOS TSÁCHILAS, ECUADOR – SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 In the Cooperativa Cristo Vive neighborhood in the southern part of the city, an armed attack occurred during the night hours at one of the billiard halls. According to police reports, a group of armed men arrived at the scene, rushed inside and began indiscriminately shooting at staff and patrons. Seven people died on the spot and four were injured to varying degrees of severity.

Further police investigation revealed that some of the dead and some of the survivors have extensive criminal records with entries such as drug trafficking, murder, or robbery. Nevertheless, the police believe it was not a targeted attack on a single person or a specific group of people. The incident strikingly resembles incidents from recent months in which whole businesses, most often billiard halls, have been the targets of armed attacks.

In the city, several criminal groups are currently fighting for dominance over territory. Billiard halls are often places owned by gangs for the purpose of money laundering. Gangsters also often gather there. It is not only about hitting them in a sensitive spot, but the attacks are also a demonstration of strength and ruthlessness. The goal is to provoke fear both in opponents and in local resident, video from Goresee