At least five people were killed and two others injured in an armed attack in Puerto Bolivar in the coastal city of Machala, Ecuador's National Police said on Sunday.
Police said several attackers posing as security officers approached a group gathered outside a house, pretending to be carrying out an operation before opening fire.
Authorities said about 30 ballistic casings from short- and long-range weapons were found at the scene.
All the victims were men aged between 26 and 63, including two brothers. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals.
The vehicle used in the attack was later found burned out and investigators believe the suspects fled by wading through the water.
Police said the attack was likely linked to disputes between criminal groups over drug trafficking routes.
Ecuador has faced a surge in violence in recent years, with more than 9,200 murders recorded in 2025, according to official data.
