A violent gang clash at Esmeraldas prison in Ecuador has resulted in at least 17 deaths, following an order from the Los Tiguerones group to eliminate rivals. Police are investigating the incident, which involved an ambush and theft of cell keys. This massacre follows another deadly incident at Machala prison, bringing the total inmate deaths in Ecuador to over 500 since 2021, amid a national state of internal armed conflict.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.