The festive atmosphere of the carnival holiday, coinciding with Valentine's Day, was abruptly disrupted on the night of February 14 at Bajo Alto beach, located in El Guabo canton of El Oro province, Ecuador. An armed attack occurred in a popular bar area by the beach, leading to the deaths of two individuals and leaving three others injured. The situation escalated when assailants, who arrived by boat, initially threw two unexploded devices at a gathering of people in the nightlife venues. Although the devices did not detonate, panic ensued as the shooters did not leave the scene and opened fire shortly afterward.

In the immediate chaos, one victim was found lying in front of a bar establishment while another was discovered in the upper floor of a nearby venue, both succumbing to their injuries at the site. The three injured individuals were transported to various health centers for treatment, highlighting the serious nature of the incident. This tragic event has not only shocked the local community but has raised concerns about security in popular tourist areas during festive times, especially as Ecuador seeks to bolster its tourism sector.

The implications of this attack extend beyond the immediate toll of casualties. It underscores the challenges faced by Ecuador in maintaining safety and security, particularly in tourist attractions and during significant local celebrations. The government and law enforcement agencies may need to reassess their approach to public safety in order to restore community confidence and ensure that such events can be enjoyed without fear of violence. The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of crime in the region, further complicating Ecuador's efforts to promote itself as a safe and desirable travel destination.