What began as a night of unrest became one of the deadliest uprisings in Ecuador’s recent history. Before dawn, chaos erupted inside the Machala prison — a place already feared for its violent gang rivalries. By the time elite police regained control, 31 inmates were dead, most from asphyxiation and hanging. The horrific scene left even seasoned officers shaken.
Witnesses outside the walls described hours of gunfire, explosions, and screams echoing through the darkness. Continues…





