Key takeaways:

• At least 22 people have died following gang violence in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
• The clashes were between factions of the notorious gang, Los Tiguerones.
• Rising homicide rates are linked to escalating drug trafficking operations.
• President Daniel Noboa is taking a hardline approach as the country approaches elections.
• The violence is part of a broader crisis in Ecuador, with criminal gangs growing in power.

In a shocking turn of events, gang violence in Ecuador's port city of Guayaquil has led to the deaths of at least 22 individuals. This violence erupted from clashes between rival factions of the powerful drug trafficking gang known as Los Tiguerones on Thursday afternoon. Local police reported that the violence, which also left three wounded, highlights the deteriorating security situation in the country, particularly as it heads towards a critical presidential runoff election set for April 13.

The recent clash is part of an ongoing struggle for territorial control involving approximately 20 criminal gangs operating within Ecuador, a nation caught between the world's largest cocaine producers, Peru and Colombia. Over the past few years, Ecuador has experienced a significant spike in violence and drug-related crime, with homicide rates soaring from 6 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2018 to a staggering 47 per 100,000 this year, according to reports from Reuters.

The government's response to the escalating violence has included deploying military forces and implementing a state of emergency in various provinces. President Daniel Noboa, who is campaigning for re-election, advocates for an “iron-fisted” approach, allowing security forces to act decisively against gang violence. “Defend the country, I will defend you,” he expressed on social media platform X, underscoring his commitment to addressing the rampant insecurity in the region.

These recent incidents reveal not only the immediate impact on community safety but also the broader implications for Ecuador’s political landscape, where public concern over crime is escalating as elections approach. Experts warn that unless substantial measures are taken to dismantle these gangs, the violence may continue to spiral out of control.

For further details, visit Al Jazeera, CBS News, and Reuters.