13 inmates killed in Ecuador prison violence

At least 13 inmates have been killed in a prison in Machala, Ecuador, the country’s prison service (SNAI) confirmed on Monday (December 8).
The SNAI said bodies were found after an explosion outside the Machala prison. However, it is not yet confirmed whether the explosion is directly related to the killings. Authorities are conducting an autopsy and other “routine procedures” to determine the exact cause of death. The incident was brought under control with the immediate intervention of the police. The US media outlet CNN News reported this information in a report.
This year has already seen several major incidents of prison violence. Last month, at least 31 inmates were killed in clashes between rival groups in the country. Of the dead, 27 were killed. Last September, another violent incident killed 14 inmates and a prison guard.
According to a report by the international human rights organization IAHR, more than 600 prisoners have died in Ecuador’s violent prisons since 2020. Meanwhile, President Daniel Noboru has warned of a tough stance against criminals. However, he has not commented on the safety of prisoners in prisons.