Ecuador Detains 16 Soldiers Over Deaths of Four Missing Boys

The charred remains of the boys, aged 11 to 15, were confirmed as those found near a military base, sparking outrage and calls for justice.

The four boys, known as the 'Guayaquil Four,' disappeared on December 8 after being apprehended by soldiers in Guayaquil while playing soccer.
DNA tests confirmed that charred bodies discovered near the Taura air force base on December 24 were those of the missing boys, aged 11 to 15.
A judge has ordered the detention of 16 air force soldiers, who are being investigated for their alleged involvement in the boys' forced disappearance and deaths.
The military initially claimed the boys were released after being detained on suspicion of robbery, though prosecutors found no evidence to support the accusation.
The case has ignited nationwide protests and scrutiny of President Daniel Noboa's militarized crackdown on gang violence, with critics citing potential human rights abuses.