03JUL24- An LaHora news article that all travelers between Cuenca and Loja should read. I think it’s best to avoid this road when it’s dark and in the early morning. Azuay is the province of which Cuenca is the capital:

'Growing insecurity on the Azuay-Loja Highway- "The growing insecurity on the Azuay-Loja highway worries residents and travelers after several kidnappings and robberies. Authorities and communities demand urgent measures to guarantee security on this important route in southern Ecuador.

In recent months, the road that connects the provinces of Azuay and Loja has been affected by a worrying escalation of crimes, including kidnappings, vehicle thefts and armed attacks, generating a climate of fear among residents and travelers who frequent this road. important route to the south of Ecuador.

The recent increase in criminal violence has put local communities and drivers traveling on this strategic highway on alert. One of the most notable cases occurred at the entrance to the community of Shiña, in the Nabón canton, where a family was intercepted by armed individuals while they were traveling in their truck.

Luis G., 37 years old, and Delia A., 41 years old, told a media outlet how they were approached by a group of criminals who, after intimidating them with firearms, forced them to hand over their Chevrolet D-Max truck. and other belongings valued at more than $1,300. Subsequently, they were kidnapped and abandoned in an abandoned house in the Cumbe parish, where they managed to free themselves and ask for medical help.

In another alarming incident, Juan L., a driver who was traveling on the same road, was the victim of a violent armed attack. Three individuals shot at his vehicle, hitting the driver's door and causing a wound to his left leg. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Juan L. managed to accelerate and escape to the Saraguro hospital, where he received immediate medical attention. This incident highlights the vulnerability of travelers to the lack of security on critical sections of the highway, especially those with poor cell coverage and human presence.

Bus drivers who make daily trips between Cuenca and Loja have expressed their concern about the growing insecurity in the area. Sebastián Calle, one of the affected drivers, pointed out that the most dangerous sections, particularly in the Loja jurisdiction passing the town of Saraguro, lack adequate infrastructure and surveillance, thus facilitating criminal actions during night hours.

"We have asked the authorities of both provinces to act urgently, since we fear that the crimes could escalate even further and put our lives and those of our passengers at risk," Calle commented.

Local authorities have responded to the community's demands by implementing coordinated operations between the provinces of Azuay and Loja. These actions seek to strengthen surveillance and deter criminal activity at strategic points along the road, as well as thoroughly investigate recent incidents to identify and capture those responsible.

The National Police, in collaboration with specialized units such as the National Directorate of Crimes against Life, Violent Deaths, Disappearances, Extortion and Kidnappings (Dinased) and the Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion Unit (UNASE), is deploying additional resources to address this situation with the seriousness it deserves.

However, despite these efforts, concern persists in the community and among users of the Azuay-Loja highway, who demand more effective and sustained measures to guarantee long-term safety.

The lack of lighting, adequate signage and police presence continues to be a significant challenge in critical stretches such as those mentioned, where the mountainous geography and the distance between communities facilitate the action of criminal groups...." -

https://www.lahora.com.ec/loja/creciente-inseguridad-en-la-via-azuay-loja/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0qNbCEzrpG2BoKq7ba0OaFbZ53cr32Ls4wfkAzuKEU0Jlwn8BziSejMLA_aem_gOwOvug0F-k4OvokgJ5Log