08 Jan 2024 | 09:06 PM UTC
Ecuador: Authorities respond to multiple prison riots as of Jan. 8 /update 1
Increased security is likely across Ecuador as of the afternoon of Jan. 8 as authorities respond to multiple prison riots.
Increased security is likely across Ecuador as of the afternoon of Jan 8 due to riots occurring at multiple prisons in the country. In Quito, authorities deployed at least 40 additional soldiers to support the police in controlling the riot at El Inca Prison, where inmates burned furniture and attempted to escape. Authorities ultimately reestablished security at the facility and confirmed that they had captured a female prisoner who had tried to escape; no injuries were reported.
Additional unrest and riots have been reported in various other prisons. Reports indicate that assailants have taken prison guards hostage at the following prisons:
El Oro
Cotopaxi
Chimborazo
Loja
Azuay
Past prison riots in Ecuador have resulted in numerous fatalities and significant mobilizations of security forces.
Authorities will likely impose increased security measures such as security cordons and roadblocks, prompting localized transport disruptions, and may expand security operations, prompting clashes.
Avoid the affected areas. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
Clashes within prisons have occurred in Ecuador in recent months amid growing violence related to drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs) nationwide. Los Choneros have been among the most prominent, having reportedly been linked to various prison riots and even the Aug. 9 assassination of Fernando Villavicencio, the presidential candidate of the Movimiento Construye (MC25) party. Adolfo Macias, the leader of Los Choneros, escaped from his prison in Guayaquil on Jan. 7.
