In a tragic outbreak of violence at a prison in Machala, Ecuador, 13 inmates and one prison guard were killed during clashes between rival gangs. The violence erupted in the early hours of Monday, with local residents reporting explosions and gunfire.
According to Police Chief William Calle, some prisoners managed to flee during the incident, although 13 have since been recaptured. This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of gang violence in Ecuador, which has seen a dramatic increase in conflicts among criminal organizations.
Officials believe members of the gang known as Los Lobos Box were primarily responsible for the violence, although the group has yet to comment on the events.
With threats of gang control escalating, the community is increasingly frustrated with the prison's location in the city's center, calling for its relocation to enhance public safety.
Police and military forces responded swiftly to restore order, deploying around 200 personnel to regain control of the facility. The violent outbreak resulted in 14 injuries, including two police officers.
Ecuador is grappling with rampant gang violence, transforming from a previously safe nation to one with high crime rates. Prison gangs are closely intertwined with international drug trafficking, raising alarms about the country's security and criminal justice systems.
Earlier this month, the United States designated two Ecuadorian gangs, including Los Lobos, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations due to their violent tactics and control over drug routes into the U.S.
