On February 15, 2025, Colonel Porfirio Cedeno, an Ecuadoran military officer overseeing anti-drug operations, was assassinated in Guayaquil. The attack involved multiple gunmen who fired over 20 shots at his vehicle while he was en route to a military ceremony, highlighting the escalating violence linked to drug trafficking in Ecuador.
- Ecuadoran colonel assassinated in Guayaquil
- Attack involved over 20 gunshots fired
- Colonel Cedeno led anti-drug operations
- Ecuador faces violence from criminal gangs
- Homicide rate reached 47 per 100,000
- President Noboa vows to combat organized crime
Ecuador has been grappling with a surge in violence fueled by drug trafficking and organized crime. Colonel Cedeno led a special operations unit dedicated to combating drug-related crimes in the region. His assassination reflects the ongoing struggle against powerful criminal gangs that have proliferated in the country, particularly in cities like Guayaquil and Manta.
In the attack, police reported that the pickup truck transporting Cedeno was riddled with bullet holes, and the driver sustained injuries. The military has since announced a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the colonel’s murder. The incident has prompted calls from officials, including Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo, for a stronger response against organized crime.
- Ecuador has an estimated 20 criminal gangs involved in various illicit activities.
- The country has seen a record homicide rate of 47 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023.
- President Daniel Noboa’s military crackdown has reduced this figure to 38 per 100,000 last year.
The assassination of Colonel Cedeno is a stark reminder of the challenges Ecuador faces in restoring security and stability. The government is under pressure to address the escalating violence as it prepares for upcoming elections, where public safety remains a critical issue.
The killing of Colonel Cedeno underscores the urgent need for effective measures against organized crime in Ecuador, as the nation continues to confront significant security challenges.
