A violent clash between rival gangs erupted in a prison in Ecuador, resulting in the death of six inmates and leaving another 11 injured.

The Guayas 1 prison in Guayaquil witnessed the latest bout of violence, underscoring the ongoing troubles plaguing the country’s penal system.

The overcrowded Ecuadorian prisons have become notorious for their high levels of violence, including gruesome mass killings and beheadings.

These riots primarily involve gangs linked to drug traffickers, as Ecuador has emerged as a significant player in the South American cocaine trade.

Since 2021, a dozen drug-gang riots have claimed over 420 lives in prisons, with some victims being burnt alive.

The situation has led to heightened tensions, with inmates holding prison guards hostage in several penitentiaries.

Prisoners in twelve prisons across the country embarked on a hunger strike, further exacerbating the crisis.