South America10 November, 20252 min read
Inmate Gangs Ignite Armed Riot and Mass Hangings, Killing 31 in Ecuador Machala Prison
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
At least 31 inmates died during violent gang clashes at Machala prison in Ecuador. Twenty-seven inmates were found dead by hanging and asphyxiation amid the riot.
11 outlets told this the same way.
Outlets did split on Alexandre de Moraes Orders Eduardo Bolsonaro Arrest, Cancels Passport, Enforces Four-Year Sentence →
Prison Riot and Casualties
At least 31 inmates were killed after an armed riot before dawn at Machala prison in southwest Ecuador on November 9, 2025. Authorities and local reports say gunfire and explosions erupted around 3:00 am, and residents heard cries for help. Police tactical units later regained control of the prison.
“A violent armed riot erupted on Sunday at a prison in Machala, southwest Ecuador, resulting in at least 31 inmate deaths, according to the country's prisons agency (SNAI).”
SNAI reported that 27 victims died from asphyxiation or hanging. Several outlets noted an initial clash that left four inmates dead before 27 more were found hanged.
Injuries were reported as “dozens,” with one account specifying 33 inmates and a police officer were injured. Forensic teams are investigating how the violence unfolded and why so many were found hanged.
Prison Unrest and Reorganization
Multiple outlets link the unrest to an attempt to reorganize prisoners for transfer into a new maximum-security facility meant to curb gang influence. Daily Mail reports the violence was reportedly triggered by this reorganization. Outlook India says the unrest was linked to the reorganization.
Evrim Ağacı states it was triggered by a prisoner reorganization linked to plans to transfer inmates. The New Indian Express is more cautious, saying the unrest may be connected to planned transfers. SNAI, cited by Sahara Reporters, confirms most deaths were by asphyxiation and says authorities are investigating to clarify circumstances.
Ecuador Prison Crisis Overview
All sources situate the riot within Ecuador’s broader prison crisis and gang warfare. Al Jazeera emphasizes systemic problems such as overcrowding, corruption, and weak authority, calling the country’s prisons among Latin America’s deadliest. Daily Mail and Evrim Ağacı highlight the control of rival drug-trafficking gangs and note more than 500 inmates killed in recent years.
“Ecuador’s prisons are known for being among the deadliest in Latin America due to issues like overcrowding, corruption, and weak authority control.”
Evrim Ağacı describes this Machala riot as among the deadliest incidents. Breitbart underscores the government’s strong response, with President Daniel Noboa designating more than 20 gangs as military targets. The president is also seeking closer U.S. cooperation to counter drug trafficking.
Conflicting Reports on Deaths
Accounts diverge on the sequence and cause of deaths. Breitbart reports a first incident causing four deaths and dozens of injuries, then at least 27 later found dead from asphyxiation. Outlook India similarly separates the four earlier deaths from the 27 later.
The Straits Times says 27 died from asphyxiation and hanging but provides no further details. Sahara Reporters notes authorities are investigating.
Daily Mail likewise says the exact cause and details are under investigation. In contrast, The New Indian Express attributes the 27 deaths to “self-inflicted asphyxiation by suspension”—a claim not echoed by other outlets.
Prison unrest and aftermath
After order was restored, coverage shifted to the aftermath and historical context of the unrest. New Indian Express and Outlook India linked the unrest to upcoming inmate transfers and referenced a previous deadly confrontation at the same prison in late September.
“The unrest is linked to the reorganization of prisoners into a new maximum-security area... with previous riots at the same prison in September resulting in 14 deaths and 14 injuries.”
Daily Mail and Evrim Ağacı framed the event within a years-long crisis marked by over 500 inmate deaths and described the fear spreading through families and communities. Breitbart expanded the focus to Machala’s broader violence by reporting the discovery of dismembered remains in the city on the same day.
