Ruptly
"At least three people were killed in a shooting in the Ecuadorian city of Machala on Thursday, while six others were injured. "I heard them start shooting. So honestly, I ran away out of fear that I would get hit by something, and later, when the shooting stopped, I returned and saw that people were screaming and the bodies were on the ground," a local recalled. Footage shows police officials investigating the bodies of victims lying on the sidewalk as residents watched from behind the cordoned area. An ambulance was also seen departing the scene, taking the victims' bodies to hospital. According to reports, armed gunmen assaulted the victims on motorbikes near Napoleon Mera Street. A nearby resident at the scene criticised authorities for failing to do enough to protect locals. "He just came to make an appearance because he said they provided some patrol cars, but hey, they also shot the guy who was the prefect's (official) son. I mean, he got shot, too. And now here. My neighbours," she added, criticising Ecuadorian President. This comes as Noboa visited the town in commemoration of the 142nd anniversary of El Oro's establishment as a province. Machala Police official Albino Duran said two armed assailants on motorcycles opened fire, targeting one victim, while the other two were likely 'collateral damage' as the investigation is ongoing. "One of the three deceased individuals has a criminal record and a history. The other two are still being verified to see if they have any kind of connection," he said, adding that the shooting was likely drug-related. On Monday, authorities announced a nighttime curfew across Guayas, Manabi, Santa Elena, Los Ríos, El Oro, Pichincha, Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas and Sucumbios, as well as the cantons La Mana, Las Naves, Echeandia and La Troncal due to mounting violence. The measure is set to begin on May 3 and will last until May 18. "
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