Political Figure Killed Near Home: Ecuador Continues to See Assassinations of Politicians

Pedro Briones, the leader of the leftist 'Citizen Revolution' movement, was assassinated near his home in Ecuador's Esmeraldas province by unknown assailants. The incident occurred on Monday, August 14, as confirmed by his party colleagues.

A few days prior, another political figure, Fernando Villavicencio, a candidate for the 'Order' movement, was also killed. He was shot during a rally in Quito on August 9, resulting in injuries to nine others. Three gunshots were fired at him after a pre-election meeting.

It is noteworthy that Ecuador will hold early presidential and parliamentary elections on August 20.