All articles tagged with #ecuador
A forensic anthropologist has digitally reconstructed the face and hairstyle of a man who lived in Ecuador approximately 3,000 years ago, based on the Punin-2 skull. The reconstruction confirms the individual was a modern human with Native American ancestry, resolving a century-old debate about the skull's origins.
The U.S. has broadened its lethal boat-strike campaign by sinking six large fishing vessels off Ecuador in two weeks, which Washington says function as floating refueling stations for fast drug-smuggling boats; tied to the Los Choneros gang, these targets are intended to disrupt narcotics logistics, though experts warn the strikes may violate the law by targeting civilians; the broader campaign has killed more than 220 people in the year-long effort.
Former Ecuadorian president Lenín Moreno was sentenced to five years in prison for bribery tied to a Sinohydro-backed contract for the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric dam; he will serve under house arrest due to age and disability and plans to appeal. Nineteen others, including family members and officials, were convicted, and Moreno is barred from public office.
A team re-examined 1902 frog specimens from Ecuador and found that what was long labeled Pristimantis subsigillatus actually encompassed a distinct, living population now named Pristimantis milpe (Milpe Rain Frog). Through holotype re-evaluation and DNA testing, researchers showed the subsigillatus holotype is conspecific with a different species (P. latidiscus), while P. milpe is widespread in the Pacific basin and easily identifiable by its call and female color pattern. The finding highlights how common species can be misclassified for decades and suggests auditing other Pristimantis classifications.
A re-examination of a 1902 frog holotype revealed that populations once labeled Pristimantis subsigillatus are actually a distinct species, Pristimantis milpe (Milpe Rain Frog), widely distributed in Ecuador and southern Colombia, highlighting a decades-long taxonomic mix-up and prompting calls to audit similar classifications.
The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Ecuador, citing higher risks of murder, assault, kidnapping and armed robberies linked to drug trafficking. Americans make up a large share of visitors, and warnings cover Guanayaquil and coastal provinces like Manabí and Santa Elena, while popular sites such as Quito, Cuenca and the Galápagos are not Do Not Travel. Demonstrations can disrupt transport and services, and help from authorities may be limited in remote areas.
Fashion designer Stephany Hollihan, founder and CEO of SensiStudio, and her husband were among seven people killed when a charter helicopter crashed in central Kenya; Hollihan, Ecuador-born and Milan-trained, built SensiStudio to support Ecuadorian artisans and preserve Toquilla straw weaving, with products including Panama hats and handbags. The crash is under investigation; Telemundo executive José Suárez was among the other fatalities. A memorial service for Hollihan is planned, and she is survived by two children and her family.
Two Ecuadorian fishing boats were sunk by explosive-laden drones in March off the Galápagos; survivors describe a blue ‘ghost ship’ and drones dropping bombs, with armed, English-speaking men detaining them before repatriation by Salvadoran authorities. The incident has drawn US security attention amid unverified reports of a CIA program; Washington denies involvement and CNN could not verify the claim. Investigations continue to determine who attacked the vessels, with a missing boat Fiorella noted earlier.
Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 at the Azteca Stadium in the World Cup 2026 Round of 32, with Julián Quiñones scoring in the 22nd minute as Telemundo commentators López Salido and Calvo delivered a showcase call that went viral; Mexico advances to the Round of 16 for the first time since 1986 (the “el quinto partido” era), while Ecuador managed only one shot on target and awaits the winner of England vs. DR Congo.
Sebastián Beccacece has stepped down as Ecuador’s head coach after their 2-0 World Cup Round of 32 defeat to Mexico, saying his contract ended with the tournament and he couldn’t meet the promised goals, despite a memorable win over Germany and a youthful squad he praised.
Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 at the Azteca to reach the World Cup Round of 16 and end a 40-year knockout drought, with Julian Quinones scoring and assisting Raul Jimenez; the match was delayed by weather, Ecuador’s late red card for Piero Hincapie capped a tough night, and Mexico, unbeaten in 10 World Cup knockout games at home, will face England or DR Congo in the next round.
Lightning in Mexico City delayed the Mexico–Ecuador World Cup match at Estadio Azteca, pushing kickoff from 7 p.m. local to about 10 p.m. ET; warmups and pregame ceremonies remain to occur, with rain forecast until around 8 p.m. local. FIFA has no official lightning policy, and delays typically extend in 30-minute increments as weather passes.
A World Cup Round of 32 clash between Mexico and Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca was delayed by a heavy thunderstorm with overhead lightning. Mexico, unbeaten in the group stage under Javier Aguirre, aim to reach the quarterfinals and break the infamous “fifth game” curse, while Ecuador, known for a solid defensive spine, wait to test the hosts once play resumes.
Ecuador complained to World Cup organisers about around 1,000 Mexican supporters serenading outside their hotel in Mexico City before their last-32 match, using noisemakers; police moved them back. The federation called the act unsporting but said Ecuador would respond on the pitch. The knockout match is set for Mexico City Stadium, where Mexico has won all three group games, after Ecuador secured knockout qualification with a shock win over Germany.
Germany lost 2-1 to Ecuador, snapping their bid for a 12-game winning run as Ecuador pressed with a disciplined block, exploited Germany’s high line, and converted chances; Nagelsmann faced scrutiny for not rotating his squad, potentially leaving Germany fatigued, while Ecuador finally finished their opportunities to reach the knockout stage for the second time in their history.