A lieutenant colonel from the National Police of Ecuador has reported that the assailants involved in a bombing incident in Machala on February 25, 2026, forcibly evacuated families from their residences before carrying out the explosions. The incident occurred around 12:20 AM in a neighborhood known as Seguro, where perpetrators dressed in black entered the building and ordered those inside to exit.

Following the evacuation, the attackers immediately triggered explosions that resulted in severe structural damage not only to the targeted home but also to adjacent properties in the local vicinity. The blasts caused significant destruction in the neighborhood of Rosita Nelly, with a parallel incident reported in a nearby residence. Officials noted that pamphlets were found at both sites, suggesting the attacks might be part of a coordinated effort.

This alarming pattern of violence raises concerns over public safety and security in Machala, prompting police investigations into the motives and affiliations of the attackers. The requirement for families to evacuate their homes before such violent actions indicates a troubling level of organization among the perpetrators, highlighting the potential for escalating violence and the urgent need for law enforcement to address these threats effectively.