Police report that a violent clash between rival gangs in a jail in the southwestern city of Machala, Ecuador, left at least 13 inmates and one prison guard dead, while 14 others were injured.
Witnesses living near the prison described hearing explosions and gunfire during the early hours of Monday. Police chief William Calle confirmed that some prisoners escaped during the incident, with 13 now recaptured.
The violence was attributed to the gang known as Los Lobos Box, who reportedly attacked their rivals after taking guards hostage. An explosive device was used to breach the prison's perimeter wall, facilitating the escape of some inmates.
Amidst fears of ongoing gang-related violence, emergency responders deployed 200 police and military personnel to regain control of the facility. The incident underscores the alarming level of gang activity in Ecuador, which has transformed the nation into one of the most dangerous in Latin America.
Authorities previously designated groups like Los Lobos and Los Choneros as Foreign Terrorist Organizations due to their role in drug trafficking and violent domination over local territories. Locals have long called for the prison, located in a densely populated area, to be relocated due to safety concerns.
