31 Inmates Killed in Ecuador Prison Unrest, Many Asphyxiated

At least 31 inmates were killed during violent unrest at a prison in Machala, in Ecuador’s El Oro province, on Sunday, with authorities reporting that 27 of the deaths were caused by asphyxiation.

Prison officials said the victims “committed asphyxiation among themselves,” resulting in “immediate death by suspension,” though they noted that investigations were still underway. Forensic teams are working to confirm the circumstances of the deaths and identify those involved.

The unrest began early Sunday around 3:00 am, when gunfire, explosions and calls for help were heard from inside the facility. Four inmates were killed in this initial outbreak of violence, while 33 prisoners and a police officer were injured. Elite security units were deployed to regain control of the prison.

Ecuador’s prisons have become strongholds for rival drug-trafficking gangs competing for influence and territory. More than 500 inmates have been killed in prison clashes in recent years as criminal networks fight for dominance over illegal narcotics routes.

Authorities believe Sunday’s violence may be linked to plans to transfer several inmates to a newly constructed maximum-security facility in another province, set to open later this month.

The Machala prison has seen repeated outbreaks of violence. In late September, armed clashes inside the same facility left 13 inmates and one prison official dead.