In Ecuador, the government ordered schools in two crime-ridden areas to operate only online.

The Ministry of Education announced the measure for schools in Monte Sinaí and Durán, northwest of Guayaquil.

In principle, the suspension of on-site attendance will be extended until next week.

According to the ministry, this is due to shootings near the schools in the context of clashes between criminal gangs.

Ecuador is facing a growing wave of insecurity due to the growth of drug trafficking, with cartels operating from prisons.

In this context, it went from less than six homicides per 100,000 inhabitants to more than 25 in just five years.