At least 31 inmates were killed in an armed clash at Machala Prison in Ecuador’s El Oro province, authorities confirmed on Sunday. Officials said 27 prisoners died by apparent asphyxiation “among themselves,” describing the deaths as immediate and caused by suspension.According to the initial reports, at least 33 inmates and one police officer were injured during the unrest. Forensic teams and investigators remain at the scene as authorities work to “fully clarify the facts” surrounding the deadly incident.The clash that broke out around 0800 GMT (03:00am local time) marks the latest episode of prison unrest in the South American nation. Locals reported hearing gunfire, explosions and screams coming through the prison walls. Later, a tactical unit from the national police regained control of the facility. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of those killed or the exact cause of the violence.The riot, as per the SNAI statement, stemmed from the “reorganisation of inmates” to a new maximum-security prison that will soon begin operating in a different province. The violent confrontation comes less than two months after 14 inmates were killed in a similar outbreak at the same prison, reportedly due to gang rivalries.Ecuador’s prison system has become one of the most violent in Latin America, plagued by overcrowding, corruption, and weakened state control. Gangs with ties to Colombian and Mexican drug cartels have expanded their influence inside facilities. Since 2021, over 500 inmates have been killed in power struggles over illegal trafficking networks. Last year, nationwide riots resulted in the brief hostage-taking of 150 prison officers.
