31 Killed in Ecuador Prison Riot, Many Asphyxiated

Deadly Prison Violence Erupts in Machala

A violent prison riot at the Machala correctional facility in southern Ecuador has left at least 31 inmates dead, with authorities confirming that 27 victims died from asphyxiation by hanging. The deadly incident occurred early Sunday morning around 3:00 AM local time, marking the second major outbreak of violence at the same prison in less than two months.

Chaos and Carnage Inside Prison Walls

Local residents reported hearing gunfire, explosions, and desperate cries for help coming from the prison complex as the violence unfolded. 'We heard shooting and loud bangs, then people screaming for help - it was terrifying,' said Maria Gonzalez, who lives near the facility. 'This keeps happening and nothing changes.'

The Ecuadorian prison service reported that elite police teams quickly mobilized to regain control of the facility. In addition to the fatalities, 33 inmates and one police officer were injured during the confrontation. The injured officer was treated at a local hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

Systemic Crisis in Ecuador's Prisons

This latest tragedy highlights the ongoing crisis in Ecuador's prison system, which has been plagued by severe overcrowding, inadequate resources, and domination by rival criminal gangs. According to Reuters reporting, the violence is believed to be connected to government plans to transfer inmates to a new maximum-security prison scheduled to open this month.

'These facilities have become operational centers for drug trafficking organizations,' explained security analyst Carlos Mendoza. 'When authorities attempt to disrupt their operations or transfer leaders, violence inevitably follows.'

Pattern of Recurring Violence

The Machala prison has been the site of repeated violent incidents. Just three weeks earlier, 14 people were killed in another confrontation at the same facility. Since 2021, over 500 inmates have been killed in Ecuador's prisons due to power struggles between gangs competing for control of lucrative drug trafficking networks.

The situation reflects broader security challenges in Ecuador, where prisons have become battlegrounds for criminal organizations with ties to international drug cartels. As noted by Daily Mail coverage, the country has experienced multiple prison massacres in recent years, including the deadliest incident in 2021 when over 100 inmates were killed in Guayaquil.

Government Response and Public Outcry

Ecuador's prison service stated that 'the competent authorities are working on a thorough investigation of the events,' but provided few additional details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Local residents in Machala have been demanding for years that the prison be relocated from the city center, citing safety concerns and the recurring violence.

The incident comes amid ongoing efforts by President Daniel Noboa's administration to address the country's security crisis. Earlier this year, the government declared states of emergency to combat prison violence and drug trafficking organizations that have gained significant influence within correctional facilities.

As Ecuador grapples with this latest tragedy, human rights organizations are calling for comprehensive prison reform and improved security measures to prevent further loss of life in the country's overcrowded and volatile correctional system.