A violent uprising at a prison in Ecuador has resulted in the deaths of at least 17 individuals, with some inmates being decapitated during the chaos. The incident took place in Esmeraldas, near the border with Colombia, where drug gangs are engaged in ongoing conflicts. Disturbing images shared on social media showed lifeless bodies of inmates with blood around them. Following the escalation of the death toll from 10 to 17, concerned family members rushed to the SNAI prison for information.
Witnesses outside the prison reported hearing gunfire and screams earlier in the day, prompting anxious relatives to seek updates on their loved ones. The National Police have indicated that the number of casualties could increase as they recover more bodies from the scene. According to reports, the violence was instigated by an organized crime group’s directive to eliminate specific rival factions within the prison.
This incident follows a separate episode in which 13 inmates and a guard were killed in the southwest region of Ecuador. In that case, inmates reportedly used explosives to facilitate their escape from the facility. The exact number of escaped prisoners remains uncertain, although some have been recaptured.
The recent unrest contributes to a grim statistic of approximately 500 inmates killed in Ecuadorian prisons since 2021. President Daniel Noboa has called for international assistance in combating criminal organizations and drug-related violence. He emphasized the need for increased military presence to address the drug trafficking issue, citing Ecuador’s significant role in the global cocaine trade.