Tragedy in Ecuador: 16-year-old hitmen attack spectators during World Cup match

The tragic incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. local time in the city center of Ibarra, where the hitmen shot at the spectators who were following the game on a big screen set up on the street. In the midst of chaos, a 16-year-old girl lost her life, and several were injured, including a man in critical condition and councilwoman Mery Congo in critical condition.

Attack Details

After firing shots, the hitmen attempted to flee, with one of them being captured a few meters from the crime scene. Authorities reported that both attackers, only 16 years old, are identified, revealing the alarming trend of recruitment of minors by criminal gangs in Ecuador to carry out violent acts.

Alert for Criminal Violence

This unfortunate episode adds to the wave of violence plaguing Ecuador, with President Daniel Noboa declaring the country in internal armed conflict against organized crime. Despite governmental efforts, the record number of 9,281 murders in 2025 reflects the serious violence crisis facing the nation.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Tragedia en Ecuador: Sicarios de 16 años atacan a espectadores durante partido del Mundial