Core Viewpoint - A riot occurred in a prison in Machala, El Oro province, Ecuador, resulting in at least 4 inmate deaths and numerous injuries, linked to the transfer of inmates to a new high-security facility [1] Summary by Relevant Sections Incident Details - The riot was triggered by the planned transfer of certain inmates to a newly constructed high-security prison [1] - Approximately 250 police and military personnel were deployed to control the situation, which lasted for 7 hours [1] - During the aftermath, two firearms and three suspected explosive devices were discovered [1] Background Context - The initial investigation suggests that the riot may have been instigated by rival gangs fighting for control within the prison [1] - Ecuador has experienced a rise in violent incidents in prisons, often related to gang conflicts over territorial control [1] - In September, similar gang-related clashes in Machala and Esmeraldas prisons resulted in the deaths of 30 inmates and 1 prison guard [1]

Core Viewpoint - A riot in a prison in Machala, El Oro Province, Ecuador, resulted in 14 deaths, including 13 inmates and 1 guard, with 14 others injured and several inmates escaping [1] Group 1: Incident Details - The riot lasted approximately 40 minutes, during which inmates fired guns and threw bombs and grenades [1] - 13 escapees have been recaptured, and authorities have stated that control of the prison has been restored [1] Group 2: Causes and Context - The violence was attributed to gang conflicts, with the deceased inmates belonging to Ecuador's two largest drug trafficking organizations [1] - There has been a rise in violent incidents in Ecuador due to rival gangs linked to Mexican and Colombian drug cartels fighting for control [1] - Since February 2021, nearly 600 inmates have died in prison riots across Ecuador [1]