Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
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A new report on digital recruitment describes how criminal groups use social media, narcoculture symbols and algorithmic engagement to pull minors toward illegal activity. The warning comes as adolescent arrests and violent deaths among minors remain a major national concern.
The Infrastructure and Transport Ministry announced an emergency declaration for the Cuenca-Giron-Pasaje road after landslides closed the section between kilometer 76 and 105. Authorities estimate about 200,000 cubic meters of material on the roadway.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Macara, Loja, at 01:35 on June 13. The quake was felt in Loja, Azuay and El Oro, but national risk officials had not reported injuries or significant structural damage by the close of the source report.
An explosive attack damaged the Arcom building in central Machala on the night of June 12. The Environment and Energy Ministry said no injuries were reported and linked the attack to retaliation after 88 illegal-mining operations in El Oro.
Primicias reports INAMHI warned that at least 24 Ecuadorian cities face very high UV radiation on June 1. The strongest sun window is from 10:00 to 15:00, with Azuay and Loja among provinces listed in the very high category.
Primicias reports Ecuador's Judicial Council documented violent events against judicial workers, users and facilities from January 2024 through May 2026. The report includes 142 threats, 11 attacks against officials and three confirmed infrastructure attacks.
The militarization of Puerto Bolívar has surfaced the human cost: at least 300 families forcibly displaced, criminal group Los Lobos occupying up to 500 homes, and the terminal tied to 10.8 tons — 11.24% — of drugs seized nationally. Over 1,000 troops are searching 1,642 homes.
Armed forces, police, and intelligence services deployed to Puerto Bolívar in El Oro province for a major operation against criminal structures controlling the port. Defense Minister Loffredo says groups are using the port to ship drugs and extort fishermen.
President Noboa's latest curfew runs May 3–18 from 11 PM to 5 AM across nine provinces including Pichincha and Guayas. Azuay, Loja, and Imbabura are not on the list. Here's the full breakdown.
The Cangrejos project, ranked 13th among the world's largest undeveloped gold deposits, gets a 26-year exploitation contract. Chinese-backed Odin Mining will invest $1.6 billion and generate 1,168 jobs. The government expects $6 billion in total revenue.
The government handed over 230 new patrol vehicles in Machala this week, bringing the 2026 total to 420. The $21.3 million purchase was funded by private-sector contributions under Ecuador's security law.
Ecuador's Instituto Geofísico recorded three earthquakes in a 14-hour window across April 20-21, including a 5.2 magnitude quake centered near Cotacachi felt in nine provinces. No damage has been reported. A good moment to review preparedness.
