In a tragic incident at Ecuador’s largest prison, the Litoral Penitentiary in Guayaquil, a brutal clash between inmates has resulted in the death of at least 15 individuals, with an additional 14 sustaining injuries, according to authorities on Tuesday.

Over the years, this facility has witnessed multiple violent outbreaks, including a horrifying event in 2021 that claimed the lives of 119 inmates. The pattern of riots and mass fatalities has raised significant concerns about prison safety and management in the region.

While officials have been tight-lipped regarding the specific causes of this latest outbreak of violence, they confirmed that law enforcement personnel, including the police and military, have been dispatched to regain control of the penitentiary.

Local reports indicated that helicopters were seen circling overhead as anxious relatives of inmates gathered outside the prison doors, hoping for news about their loved ones.

Ecuador’s prisons have gained a notorious reputation as some of the most dangerous in Latin America, largely due to rampant overcrowding, corruption, and the state’s inability to maintain order. These conditions have fostered an environment where gangs can thrive, many of which have ties to the booming drug trade in Ecuador. Compounding the issue, these gangs are often equipped with sophisticated weaponry that is smuggled into the facilities.