Gang leader Carlos Suastegui was shot dead outside Guayaquil airport in Ecuador. The attackers carried out the crime under the cover of flowers and teddy bears. Two teenagers have been arrested in this case.
Guayaquil: In a sensational incident, a suspected gang leader was shot dead outside the airport in Guayaquil, the largest city of the South American country Ecuador. The attack occurred when the victim was leaving the arrivals area of the airport. This incident not only raises serious questions on the security arrangements, but also highlights the dire situation of increasing gang violence in the country.
The killer was hiding behind flowers and teddy bears
CCTV footage showed that two youths were already waiting outside the airport near the arrival terminal. Both of them were carrying toys (teddy bears) and bouquets of flowers, making them look like ordinary visitors or welcoming relatives. As soon as the victim reached them, one of the youths took out a pistol hidden behind the teddy bear and fired from very close range. This attack was carried out in a very planned and professional manner.
Who was the victim: Serious allegations against gang leader
The man killed was 39-year-old Carlos Alberto Suastegui Villanueva, according to Ecuador’s Interior Minister John Reimberg. Carlos Alberto Suastegui Villanueva was accused of being the leader of a faction of the notorious gang “Los Águilas”. Police say the gang was active in the El Triunfo region of southern Ecuador and was involved in organized crimes such as drug trafficking and extortion.
Arrest: Two minor suspects in custody
The police detained two teenagers immediately after the attack. It is believed that both were directly involved in this murder. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the attack was completely planned and every step from reconnaissance to execution was pre-planned.
Panic at airport: Panic among passengers
There was a stampede among the passengers present at the airport at the time of the incident. Many people started running here and there to save their lives. According to local newspaper “El Universo”, a passenger dropped his suitcase and fell to the ground during the shooting. A bystander has also been injured in this attack.
The entire incident was captured in the security camera
The entire incident was recorded in the security cameras of the airport. The footage clearly shows that the first attacker runs away from the spot, while the second attacker fires another shot at the victim and then runs away. Following the incident, the airport’s arrival area was closed for about two hours while the forensic team conducted the investigation.
New example of increasing gang violence in Ecuador
The attack is another horrific example of the widespread gang violence ongoing in Ecuador. In the last few years, crimes like murder, drug smuggling and kidnapping have increased rapidly in the country. Los Águilas was declared a “terrorist organization” by President Daniel Noboa in 2024. This group is believed to be involved in drug trafficking and illegal extortion.
Strategic Geography: Global Routes of Drug Transit
Ecuador’s geographical location makes it an important transit country for international drug trafficking. The country is located between Colombia and Peru, the world’s largest cocaine producers. For this reason, Ecuador is used as an important corridor to transport drugs to America and Europe.
Presidential strictness and state of emergency
President Daniel Ngoboa continues to take strict measures to stop the increasing violence in the country. Recently he has declared a fresh state of emergency in 10 provinces. Under this emergency, security forces have been given additional powers, including measures such as searches and arrests without warrants if they suspect suspicious activity.
Despite this, it is difficult to control violence
Despite the efforts of the government, violence is continuously increasing in the country. The murder rate in Ecuador reached its record high in 2025, making it one of the most unsafe countries in the Western Hemisphere. Experts believe that organized crime networks, drug mafia and political instability are making the situation more complex.
Airport attack: a sign of increasing courage of criminals
Such an attack in a high-security area like Guayaquil airport shows that criminals are no longer afraid to openly commit violence even in public places. This incident has not only challenged the security agencies but has also increased the feeling of fear and insecurity among the common citizens.
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