Ecuador: Five heads found on beach amid gang clashes

Authorities reported five human heads were found on a beach in Puerto López, Manabí province, and the government has declared a 60-day state of emergency in seven provinces.

Authorities reported that five human heads were found on a beach in Puerto López in Manabí province on Sunday. Officials said the discovery was linked to clashes among criminal groups involved in drug trafficking and extortion along the coast. The national government declared a 60-day state of emergency in seven provinces and deployed the military to support police operations. Police announced investigations are under way and that patrols and surveillance in Puerto López have been increased. Key details: - The discovery was reported on a tourist beach in Puerto López, Manabí province. - Officials linked the incident to competing criminal groups tied to drug trafficking and extortion, including demands for protection payments. - The government declared a 60-day state of emergency in seven provinces and has deployed the military to assist police. - Authorities say investigations are ongoing and that security measures in Puerto López have been increased. Summary: The incident underscores continued violence tied to organized crime along Ecuador's coast and has prompted an expanded security response by national authorities. Undetermined at this time.