Deadly Prison Riot Claims 27 Lives in Southern Ecuador
At least 27 inmates have been killed by asphyxiation during a wave of prison violence that swept through a correctional facility in southern Ecuador. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, November 9, 2025, marking another devastating chapter in the country's ongoing prison crisis.
Police officers were photographed standing guard at the prison entrance in Machala, Ecuador, following the deadly riot that left dozens of inmates dead. The images, captured by Luis Suarez for AFP and distributed via Getty Images through CNN Newsource, show the tense atmosphere surrounding the facility in the aftermath of the violence.
Details of the Tragedy
The victims died from asphyxiation, according to official reports, suggesting they may have been trapped in enclosed spaces or subjected to smoke inhalation during the violent clashes. The exact circumstances leading to the mass asphyxiation remain under investigation by Ecuadorian authorities.
This latest incident adds to Ecuador's growing prison crisis, which has seen multiple violent outbreaks in recent years. The country's prison system has been plagued by overcrowding, inadequate resources, and power struggles between criminal organizations operating within the facilities.
Broader Context of Prison Violence
Ecuador has experienced numerous prison massacres in recent years, with hundreds of inmates killed in similar incidents. The violence often stems from conflicts between rival gangs competing for control within the prison system and drug trafficking routes.
The government has struggled to maintain control over the country's correctional facilities despite implementing various security measures and declaring states of emergency in the prison system on multiple occasions.
International human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern about conditions in Ecuador's prisons, citing overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate medical care as contributing factors to the ongoing violence.
