Ecuador Prison Clash: Deadly Violence Grips Guayaquil

A violent clash among inmates at Ecuador's largest prison has resulted in at least 15 deaths and 14 injuries. The Litoral Penitentiary in Guayaquil, known for previous riots, remains volatile. Authorities have deployed police and military forces to regain control as overcrowding and gang activity persist.

A violent altercation among inmates at Ecuador's largest prison has claimed the lives of at least 15 people, with an additional 14 reported injured. The Litoral Penitentiary, located in the coastal city of Guayaquil, has been plagued by frequent riots and mass killings.

The latest outbreak of violence was met with immediate response from authorities, who deployed police and military forces in an effort to restore order within the facility. Helicopters were observed flying overhead as concerned relatives gathered at the prison's gates, anxious to hear news of their loved ones.

Ecuador's penitentiary system has become one of the most dangerous in Latin America, largely due to overcrowding, corruption, and insufficient state control. The rise of gangs, often armed with smuggled weapons and tied to the drug trade, continues to exacerbate the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)