Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

Fourteen people have died following a deadly prison riot in Ecuador.

Getting into it: The incident occurred on Monday morning at the Machala men’s prison in El Oro province. Authorities said the violence broke out around 2:00 a.m. after alarms were raised from one of the prison wings. Members of the Los Lobos Box gang reportedly overpowered security, killing a guard, kidnapping others, and storming a rival cellblock where Los Choneros were being held. The confrontation quickly escalated into a 40-minute battle involving gunfire, grenades, and explosives.

According to police chief William Calle, inmates used an explosive device to blow open part of the perimeter wall, allowing an unknown number of prisoners to escape in the chaos. So far, 13 fugitives have been recaptured, and multiple firearms were taken from inmates. Among the 14 dead were members of both Los Lobos and Los Choneros, two of Ecuador’s most powerful gangs, while 14 others—including two police officers—were injured and taken to nearby hospitals.

Nearly 300 security personnel, including tactical police units and soldiers, stormed the facility to retake control. Videos released by authorities show officers advancing to the sound of explosions and gunfire as they forced their way into the cellblocks. Ecuadorian officials confirmed that control of the prison has since been restored, though a heavy security presence remains around Machala.

This all comes as Ecuador is no stranger to brutal prison riots and violent gang-related incidents. In 2021, the country witnessed its deadliest prison massacre in Guayaquil, where more than 100 inmates were killed in clashes broadcast live on social media, with many victims being decapitated.