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Deadly Prison Riot Sparks Armed Conflict in Ecuador

9/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The September 25, 2025 riot in Esmeraldas left at least 17 inmates dead, following an earlier riot that killed 14.
Rival gangs Los Choneros and Los Lobos threaten control in overcrowded prisons.
The U.S. designated Los Choneros and Los Lobos as terrorist organizations earlier this month.
President Daniel Noboa's government has declared an internal armed conflict to address the crisis.

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Story summary

The September 25, 2025 riot in Esmeraldas left at least 17 inmates dead, following an earlier riot that killed 14.
Rival gangs Los Choneros and Los Lobos threaten control in overcrowded prisons.
The U.S. designated Los Choneros and Los Lobos as terrorist organizations earlier this month.
President Daniel Noboa's government has declared an internal armed conflict to address the crisis.