Quito, June 11 -- At least eight people were shot dead in Ecuador's southwestern coastal city of Guayaquil, amid a surge in criminal violence, national police said.
The attack occurred in the Pascuales district, along the Daule highway. "Eight people were killed by gunfire," police said in a statement, adding that officers were deployed immediately to investigate and pursue those responsible.
Local media reported that the victims were gunned down in Guayaquil's industrial zone, near the Peca area and outside a municipal market, just as vendors were beginning their workday.
Five of the victims were motorcycle taxi drivers, according to local TV reports.
Police suggested the spike in violence may be linked to the recent seizure of fou...