Ecuador is reeling after one of the deadliest prison uprisings in its history, with 79 inmates killed during simultaneous riots across three major penitentiaries. Authorities say brutal clashes erupted as rival gangs fought for dominance — and some inmates attempted to break free amid the chaos.
Coordinated Violence Across the Country
The bloodshed struck prisons in Cuenca, Guayaquil, and Latacunga, overwhelming guards and prompting the government to deploy hundreds of police officers to retake control.
- 34 deaths were reported in Cuenca,
- 37 in Guayaquil, and
- 8 in Latacunga.
Officials say two powerful criminal groups attempted to seize control of the facilities, sparking violent confrontations that quickly turned deadly.
A System on the Brink
Ecuador’s prison system, built for 27,000 inmates, currently holds more than 38,000, creating explosive conditions that have fueled repeated riots in recent years. Overcrowding, gang infiltration, and inadequate security have transformed many facilities into battlegrounds.
Government Pledges Crackdown
President Lenín Boltaire Moreno announced on social media that he is ordering strict new controls on weapons, ammunition, and explosives around all prisons, vowing to restore order and prevent further bloodshed.
But with gangs exerting increasing influence both inside and outside prison walls, Ecuador faces mounting concerns that the violence is far from over.