Attack on Navy office in Posorja investigated as terrorism

Ecuador's Fiscalía has launched a terrorism investigation following an armed assault on a Navy office in the coastal town of Posorja, near Guayaquil. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, targeted the facilities of the Port Captaincy.

According to initial reports, two assailants arrived in a vehicle and opened fire on the naval office using long-range weapons. They also deployed explosives before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, the Navy confirmed that no personnel were injured or killed during the incident. The institution has activated its standard response protocols.

The Fiscalía announced on Friday, August 14, that it has initiated proceedings and is actively seeking to identify those responsible. Investigators are collecting ballistic evidence from the site and reviewing security camera footage from the area to aid in the identification process.

Posorja is a strategically important location, housing one of Ecuador's deep-water ports, which is a key route for exporting goods. Criminal organizations reportedly exploit these export routes to introduce drugs into cargo destined for North America and Europe. The government had previously announced plans to construct a naval station in Posorja as part of its strategy to combat drug trafficking in the Gulf of Guayaquil, a region considered to be contested by armed groups.