Deadly Prison Clash in Ecuador Claims At Least 15 Lives

A violent altercation at a prison in Ecuador, known for its high levels of violence, has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 inmates and injuries to 14 others. According to the Ecuadorean prison service SNAI, these “grave incidents” took place during the early hours of Tuesday at El Litoral jail, located in the city of Guayaquil. The SNAI further stated that prison security staff have since re-established control over the facility and are currently searching the grounds. El Litoral prison has previously been the site of numerous violent clashes between gangs, including an incident in September 2021 that was the deadliest, claiming the lives of over 120 inmates. Residents residing in the vicinity of El Litoral reported hearing gunfire early on Tuesday. They also observed a helicopter flying over the correctional facility and witnessed the arrival of police tactical units. Officials have not yet disclosed specific information regarding the identities of the deceased. However, they confirmed that an inquiry into the origins of the fatal confrontation has commenced. The correctional facility accommodates individuals affiliated with some of Ecuador’s most dangerous gangs. These groups frequently manage their illicit operations even while incarcerated and also engage in intimidation and threats against prison personnel. In September, María Daniela Icaza, who served as the director of El Litoral, was fatally shot by assailants who fired upon her vehicle. Her brother informed local news outlets that she had been receiving threatening phone calls prior to the assault. Ecuador is currently grappling with an escalating surge of gang violence, a phenomenon that has shifted the nation’s status from one of Latin America’s safest to one of its most perilous.