Overview

• - The blast occurred Tuesday evening beside the Mall del Sol and offices tied to the Noboa family, prompting evacuations of nearby hotels, offices and shops.
• - Police found a second vehicle containing four high-power charges and an electronic detonator, carried out controlled detonations and secured the area.
• - Authorities report at least one death; the national risk agency counted 30 injured, while other official tallies cited fewer with mostly minor wounds.
• - Investigators are collecting forensic evidence and reviewing CCTV footage as security forces work to identify suspects and pursue terrorism charges.
• - The incident follows a late-September vehicle blast near Guayaquil’s regional prison and an Oct. 9 device deactivation, highlighting escalating gang violence in the city.