Ecuadoran authorities have found eight dismembered bodies in two mass graves at an illegal mine in the southern province of Azuay, police said on Sunday.
The bodies were discovered in the municipality of Pucara, where illegal gold and copper mining operations have expanded in recent years amid the growing influence of the Los Lobos gang.
The bodies had been buried about two metres deep with their hands tied and showed injuries including dismemberment and decapitation, local judicial police chief Pablo Inga told reporters.
Preliminary analysis indicated they had been buried for about two days. Their identities have yet to be confirmed.
Police said the mine did not have an operating permit and officers reached the remote site after receiving reports of gunfire.
Several residents had reported relatives missing, authorities said.
Gang violence and illegal mining
Ecuador is struggling to contain escalating violence as gangs compete over cocaine trafficking routes and valuable mining deposits.
The country has gone from being one of South America's safest nations to a major cocaine trafficking hub in recent years, with criminal groups linked to Mexican and Colombian cartels.
Ecuador recorded nearly 51 homicides per 100,000 people last year.
Azuay is among 10 provinces placed under a state of emergency since June amid rising armed violence.
Since taking office in 2023, President Daniel Noboa has repeatedly declared states of emergency as part of efforts to combat organised crime, although human rights groups have raised concerns over alleged abuses by security forces.
