Eight inmates killed in Ecuador prison riots
Riots in prisons in Ecuador, a South American country, left eight people dead and 10 injured on Thursday. Officials say those responsible have been identified and will be moved to a maximum-security prison.
Riots broke out in Ecuador's prisons on Thursday, leaving eight people dead and 10 injured, according to the country's corrections officials. Ecuador is a South American country whose prisons have seen repeated deadly violence in recent years.
What happened
At Cotopaxi prison, the deaths of four inmates were reported. Another four prisoners lost their lives at Pichincha prison. The source does not provide further details on how the killings were carried out.
Wider context
More than 500 inmates have been killed in Ecuadorian prisons since 2021. The army controls some of the facilities, but drug trafficking gangs retain considerable influence among prisoners. These gangs order killings and extortion.
What comes next
Officials said the inmates responsible for the riots have been identified. They are to be transferred to El Encuentro, a maximum-security prison. It was built by the government of President Daniel Noboa for Ecuador's most wanted criminals.
