In a lethal conflict between rival gang members housed in Ecuador’s El Litoral jail in Guayaquil, at least 15 prisoners were killed and 14 more injured. S.N.A.I., Ecuador’s jail system, verified the “grave events” early Tuesday morning. Following hours of anarchy, security staff were able to take control of the building; officials now thoroughly searched the grounds to stop more violence.
Why Does Violence Continue to Plague El Litoral Jail?
Long a centre for violent gang conflicts, El Litoral jail, More than 120 prisoners were slain in what has been claimed to be one of the worst prison massacres in Ecuador’s history during a prior riot in September 2021. Concerns among neighbours of the prison have been raised even more by the current surge in violence.
One tenant, who wanted to remain anonymous, stated, “We woke up to gunfire emanating from the jail. That wasn’t very pleasant. A few residents reportedly witnessed a helicopter hovering above the jail and police tactical teams arriving to contain the mayhem.
What Are the Authorities Doing to Investigate the Latest Incident?
Regarding the identities of anyone killed or injured in Tuesday’s event, the police have not yet published any specifics. Amid rumours that growing gang rivalry may have caused the carnage, S.N.A.I. has declared an inquiry to find the reason for the fatal collision. “This is a tragedy; we are dedicated to finding out what set it off,” a jail official said.
How Do Gangs Continue to Operate From Behind Bars?
El Litoral is well-known for harbouring members of some of Ecuador’s most violent gangs, many of whom still plan illegal activities from behind prison walls. These groups are famous for smuggling drugs and firearms, as well as for their continuous threats and intimidation of prison personnel.
“They [the gangs] have ways of controlling activities both inside and outside the prison, which makes it incredibly difficult to enforce order,” one official acquainted with the gang activities said. The significant degree of gang control in El Litoral and other jails has presented an unrelenting challenge to Ecuador’s prison system.
What Does the Director's Murder Say About the Risks Faced by Prison Staff?
The new violence follows just a few weeks after the September deadly shooting of María Daniela Icaza, the director of El Litoral. Though she had reported threats before the attack, Gunmen opened fire on her car, killing her. Her brother told local media, “She had been receiving threatening phone calls for weeks, but she was dedicated to her work and determined to make a difference.”
The death of Icaza has highlighted the significant risks people in control of Ecuador’s prisons confront, as well as the widespread impact gangs have over these establishments. Calls for more stringent security measures and more support for jail staff have grown in the wake of her death.
How Is Ecuador Struggling to Control Gang Violence?
Recently, Ecuador has struggled with a surge in violent crime, most of which results from gang rivalries spilling out from prisons into the streets. Once regarded as among the safest countries in Latin America, Ecuador has changed drastically as gang violence rises. Authorities have struggled to keep the peace; prisons have become epicentres of violent power conflicts.
Local politicians have demanded quick reform in reaction to the growing violence to solve the issues allowing gangs to flourish inside Ecuador’s jail system. “We cannot ignore the extent of control these gangs wield,” stated one official, stressing the need for a change in Ecuador’s approach to jail security.
The tragedy at El Litoral reminds us grimly of Ecuador’s continuous fight against gang violence both within and outside of its prison gates as investigations go on. The country laments another fatal occurrence while authorities look for ways to bring about peace and stop more carnage.
