Ecuador: Explosives attack near Guayaquil prison complex occurs April 25

Event

A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near the prison complex in the north of Guayaquil early April 25. While the blast caused property damage, no one was reported injured. Two individuals who are thought to have detonated the device escaped the area on motorcycles; police and military forces are operating in the area to secure the site and investigate the scene.

Context

Two penitentiaries are located in the prison complex, both of which have seen multiple deadly riots in past months, with a particularly violent September 2021 riot leaving over 110 inmates dead. On April 23, a smaller explosive device detonated near the complex but did not cause any major damage; the April 25 explosion represents a major escalation of such attacks. While authorities have not announced who they believe to be responsible for the attack, most violence in the prison is the result of a struggle between rival gangs to exert influence over the penitentiary.

Advice

Avoid the area of the prison complex as a precaution. Heed the instructions of security personnel.