Guayaquil Minibus Attack Injures Four: Gunmen Open Fire on Public Transport, Passengers Scramble for Safety

Guayaquil, Ecuador— Guayaquil police chased two motorcycles through afternoon traffic Thursday after gunmen sprayed a packed public minibus with bullets, wounding four passengers who had no connection to the extortion war now strangling the city's transit routes.

The shooting happened at 4:40 p.m. on Avenida Portete, near the intersection with Calle 17. The minibus, route 118, was carrying 18 people. Two men on motorcycles pulled alongside and shouted at the driver to stop. When he slowed, one opened fire with a pistol through the side windows. Passengers dropped to the floor. The driver accelerated and drove two blocks to a police checkpoint before stopping.

Three men and one woman were hit. The most seriously wounded, a 19-year-old student, took a bullet to the shoulder and lower back. The other three suffered leg and arm wounds. All were taken to Hospital Guayaquil. Doctors said none were in life-threatening condition, but one will require surgery.

Police said the attack fits a pattern. Bus cooperatives across Guayaquil have been receiving extortion notes demanding $500 weekly per bus. Drivers who refuse are shot at. This month alone, at least six similar attacks have been reported. The 118 cooperative had reported threats two weeks ago and asked for police escorts, which never came.

"This is not robbery. They did not try to take phones or money," said Col. Victor Herrera of the Guayaquil Metropolitan Police. "They fired to send a message to the owner, to the cooperative. The passengers are just collateral. The criminals know drivers will stop paying if buses stop running."

Expreso reported that transport leaders held an emergency meeting Thursday night and voted to suspend service on three routes Friday unless the government provides armed escorts. Drivers parked their buses outside the Governor's office last week in protest. The Interior Ministry promised 200 additional officers for transit corridors, but union leaders say they have seen none.

Witnesses said the gunmen wore black caps and face masks. One motorcycle was red, the other black, both without plates. The minibus was left with at least nine bullet holes in the left side, shattered windows, and blood on seats. Investigators collected 11 9mm casings from the avenue.

The driver, 52, told police he recognized one of the attackers from a previous threat delivery. He is now under police protection. Passengers said panic erupted instantly. "A girl next to me screamed, then she was bleeding. Everyone was pushing to the floor. The driver kept shouting hold on," said one passenger who was not injured.

The National Police launched Operativo Ruta Segura at 7 p.m., stopping motorcycles across southwest Guayaquil. By 9 p.m., no suspects had been detained. The minibus remains impounded as evidence.