A deadly prison riot in Ecuador has resulted in the loss of 17 lives, with inmates being decapitated in a violent clash. Drug cartels are engaged in fierce battles in Esmeraldas, near the Colombian border, with reports of brutal beheadings of rivals within the prison walls. Disturbing images circulating on social media depict lifeless bodies of inmates lying on the ground, stained with blood. The death toll rose from 10 to 17, prompting frantic family members to rush to the SNAI prison for information.
Anxious relatives gathered outside the prison, desperate for news about their loved ones since the early morning hours. Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots and screams, heightening the sense of fear and uncertainty. The National Police cautioned that the number of casualties could increase as they recover more bodies from the prison facility. The violence is believed to be a result of orders from the Los Tiguerones criminal group to eliminate members of rival gangs and unaffiliated prisoners.
This incident follows a previous deadly altercation in the southwest region where 13 inmates and a guard lost their lives after an explosive escape attempt. The ongoing unrest adds to the grim tally of over 500 prisoners killed in Ecuador since 2021, underscoring the pervasive violence plaguing the country. President Daniel Noboa has called for international assistance, urging the US, European, and Brazilian military forces to join the fight against criminal organizations.
President Noboa emphasized the need for a coordinated effort to combat drug trafficking, citing Ecuador’s significant role in the global cocaine trade. He stressed the importance of international collaboration in addressing the escalating security challenges. With the situation escalating, there are growing calls for decisive action to restore order and safety within Ecuador’s prison system.