In Machala, Ecuador, the National Police announced a temporary closure of a major overpass following the discovery of explosives left there, which included threatening messages aimed at officials of the National Service for Comprehensive Attention to Persons Deprived of Liberty (SNAI) and a police chief. The threat was reported on the evening of Saturday, February 7, when citizens noticed a suspicious object that prompted immediate police response.

Upon receiving the alert around 7:50 PM, law enforcement officers arrived at the scene and determined the need to restrict access to ensure public safety while coordinating with specialized units. Witnesses reported seeing two individuals on a motorcycle briefly stop at the overpass, leave behind a gift-style bag, and then depart in an unknown direction, raising concerns about the motives behind the act.

The incident signifies a growing trend of intimidation against public officials in Ecuador amid rising violence, particularly against those involved in the justice system. As the police investigate the source and motive behind these explosives, this case may highlight broader issues of security and governance in the region, underscoring an urgent need for government action against organized crime and threats directed at state institutions.