Deadly Prison Riot in Ecuador Claims 14 Lives and Leads to Inmate Escape

A prison riot in Ecuador resulted in significant casualties and a large-scale escape. The violence began with a confrontation between members of the Los Lobos and Sao Box gangs. The incident involved gunfire and explosions, causing widespread alarm. In the midst of the chaos, a prison guard was killed, and police officers were taken hostage. A number of inmates took advantage of the situation to flee the facility. Medical professionals are treating the injured at nearby hospitals. Law enforcement agencies have initiated a search to recapture the escaped inmates. The majority of the deceased inmates were affiliated with Los Choneros, one of Ecuador’s most violent gangs, as the authorities have reported. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the violence and assess the security failures.