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Five Severed Heads Found on Ecuador Beach Amid Gang Violence

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 11, 2026, Ecuadorian police reported five heads displayed at the tourist beach of Puerto Lopez, with a message threatening extortion.
The incident follows December 2025, when nine people were killed in gang clashes.
Ecuador ended 2025 with a homicide rate of 52 per 100,000 inhabitants.
President Daniel Noboa, Ecuador's president, has vowed to curb cartel-linked gang violence, but two years of military efforts have not reduced it.

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Story summary

On January 11, 2026, Ecuadorian police reported five heads displayed at the tourist beach of Puerto Lopez, with a message threatening extortion.
The incident follows December 2025, when nine people were killed in gang clashes.
Ecuador ended 2025 with a homicide rate of 52 per 100,000 inhabitants.
President Daniel Noboa, Ecuador's president, has vowed to curb cartel-linked gang violence, but two years of military efforts have not reduced it.