QUITO, April 26 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and two others injured in an armed attack Saturday night in Puerto Bolivar in the coastal city of Machala, Ecuador's National Police said Sunday.

Police said several assailants posing as security officers approached a group gathering outside a home, pretending to conduct an operation before opening fire.

Around 30 ballistic casings from short- and long-range weapons were recovered at the scene, authorities said.

All victims were men aged between 26 and 63, including two brothers. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals.

The vehicle used in the attack was later found burned, and investigators believe the suspects fled by water.

Police said the attack is likely linked to disputes between criminal groups over drug trafficking routes.

Ecuador has faced a surge in violence in recent years, with more than 9,200 homicides recorded in 2025, according to official data. ■