Location: Manabí province, Los Rios province, and Duran City in Guayas province
Event: Transnational criminal groups and local gangs carried out a series of violent crimes across Manabi province, Los Rios province and Duran city in Guayas province during the weekend of July 22nd, including the assassination of Manta Mayor Agustin Intriago and professional athlete Ariana Chancay and prison uprisings in multiple cities. President Guillermo Lasso issued on July 24 decree No. 824 instituting a State of Emergency in Manabi province, Los Rios province and Duran City in Guayas province. A curfew is in effect in these areas from 10PM to 5AM.
U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General personnel have been directed to exercise extreme caution in these locations and to limit travel to daytime hours only until further notice. The prohibition for U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General personnel from traveling to the cities of Quevedo, Qinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios without prior authorization remains in effect (since June 24 travel advisory).
Please take the following actions:
· Exercise extreme caution and maintain increased vigilance in Manabi province, Los Rios province and Duran City [located in Guayas province]. A curfew is in effect in these areas from 10PM to 5AM.
· Be aware of your surroundings and avoid large gatherings.
· Limit travel to daylight hours.
· Monitor local news for updates.
· Keep a low profile. · Enroll in STEP to receive security updates.
Assistance:
· U.S. Embassy Quito, Ecuador +(593)(2) 398-5000 +(593)(2) 398-5000 (after hours) ACSQuito@state.gov
· U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil, Ecuador +(593)(4) 371-7000 +(593)(4) 371-7000 (after hours) ACSGuayaquil@state.gov
