Ecuador is facing a surge in deadly prison violence, with at least 17 people killed in a riot in Esmeraldas on Thursday. This follows a similar deadly brawl earlier in the week that claimed 14 lives. The violence is linked to ongoing gang wars over drug trafficking routes, with rivals frequently clashing inside prisons. Authorities have struggled to regain control, despite President Noboa's declaration of an "internal armed conflict."

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.