Guayaquil, Ecuador—Gunfire broke out inside a prominent business center this morning during a sophisticated armed robbery attempt. Four people were killed in the exchange, including two security personnel and two employees caught in the crossfire. The suspects managed to flee the building before police arrived, sparking a city-wide manhunt that is currently underway.

Witnesses described a coordinated group of men wearing masks and carrying automatic weapons. They entered the lobby through the main entrance, demanding access to a high-security office floor. When security staff resisted, the situation turned violent almost immediately. The assailants left behind a scene of panic as employees sheltered under their desks.

Police recovered several spent shell casings and are currently reviewing security footage to identify the attackers. The business center remains under heavy guard, with all entrances sealed to preserve evidence. The surrounding streets have been blocked off to allow special forces units to conduct a sweep of the perimeter.

City officials have declared a state of high alert as they track the movements of the fleeing suspects. The governor visited the site to express his commitment to catching those responsible, though he provided few details on the progress of the investigation. Many business owners in the area have decided to shut down for the day out of fear.

This incident marks a sharp escalation in violent crime targeting commercial hubs in the city. Earlier this year, there were warnings about the rise of armed gangs focusing on high-value office targets. Today’s event has shaken the local business community, which is now demanding increased police presence in the financial district.

Paramedics struggled to reach the wounded while the scene was still considered active. One of the survivors mentioned that the suspects appeared well-trained and moved through the building with military precision. They did not target just one office but seemed to have a broader plan for the raid.

Investigators are cross-referencing the methods used today with other unsolved robberies from the past six months. They believe the suspects may be part of an organized syndicate operating across several provinces. Intelligence units are currently monitoring transit points to prevent the suspects from leaving the city.

The identity of the four victims has not been made public, but their families have been notified by the authorities. A perimeter is still maintained around the building as forensics teams continue to dust for prints and collect forensic evidence. No further details have been released regarding what, if anything, was stolen.