A deadly prison uprising has resulted in the loss of at least 17 lives, with inmates being decapitated in a violent clash. Drug cartels are engaged in ongoing conflicts in Ecuador, leading to brutal acts such as beheadings in Esmeraldas, situated near the border with Colombia. Disturbing images circulating on social media depicted lifeless bodies of prisoners on the ground, covered in blood. Following the announcement of a rising death toll from 10 to 17, distraught family members hurried to the SNAI prison.
One woman, anxiously waiting outside the prison, expressed her anguish as she sought information about her loved ones since early morning. She rushed to the facility upon hearing reports of gunfire and screams from the vicinity. Soldiers at the scene advised her to check the morgue to confirm the fate of her relative. Authorities from the National Police have cautioned that the casualty count may increase as they retrieve more bodies from the prison.
Amidst the chaos, it was revealed that a criminal group, Los Tiguerones, had issued orders to eliminate members of rival factions, including Los Lobos and Los Choneros, along with unaffiliated prisoners. Investigations are underway to shed light on the incident, with further details expected to be released soon. This incident follows a prior episode where 13 inmates and a guard were killed, and some prisoners managed to escape after using explosives.
The recent violence contributes to the grim tally of approximately 500 inmates who have been killed in Ecuador since 2021. President Daniel Noboa has urged for international support in combating criminal organizations, citing the need for a joint effort with the US, European, and Brazilian armed forces to combat drug-related crimes. Noboa emphasized the importance of international cooperation to combat drug trafficking, highlighting Ecuador’s crucial role in the global cocaine trade.
