_Machala, Ecuador – Dec 8, 2025_ – A violent outbreak at the Machala prison in El Oro province left 13 inmates dead and dozens injured, authorities confirmed on Monday. The incident, which occurred Sunday night, followed the detonation of an explosive device outside the prison perimeter, after which chaos erupted inside the facility.What happened- The National Service for People Deprived of Liberty (SNAI) reported that an explosive blast, possibly from a drone‑borne device, triggered a rapid response from guards and police.- In the ensuing melee, rival gangs – identified as Los Lobos and Sao‑Box – clashed, resulting in the 13 fatalities. Autopsies are underway to determine the exact cause of death, though asphyxiation and injuries from weapons have been flagged.- Four inmates were killed in an initial attack, 36 were injured, and two officers suffered minor injuries as security forces intervened to restore control.Context of prison violenceEcuador’s penitentiary system has been a flashpoint for gang warfare, with over 600 inmate deaths recorded since 2020, according to the Inter‑American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The Machala facility, one of the country’s most notorious, has witnessed multiple massacres this year – 31 inmates died in November and 14 in September, underscoring chronic overcrowding, corruption, and the ability of drug‑trafficking groups to operate from behind bars.Government responsePresident Daniel Noboa declared a state of internal armed conflict earlier in 2024, deploying military and police units to prisons to curb the violence. SNAI said investigations are ongoing, and security measures have been heightened across the region. Legislators have also proposed constitutional amendments to limit sentence‑reduction benefits for inmates.Human rights concernsThe IACHR has repeatedly urged Ecuador to safeguard inmates’ right to life and integrity, noting that the wave of violence reflects deeper systemic issues – overcrowding, weak state control, and entrenched gang influence. Families of the victims gathered outside the prison, demanding answers and accountability._Sources: ¹ ² ³ ⁴_
