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Thirteen Dead in Machala Prison Explosion Amid Gang Violence

12/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Thirteen people died at a Machala prison after an explosion outside the facility on December 8.
The Servicio Nacional de Atención Integral a Personas Privadas de Libertad (SNAI) conducts autopsies.
Earlier incidents in Ecuador indicate asphyxiation as a common factor.
The November riot left at least 31 people dead.
The government of President Daniel Noboa attributes the violence to rival gangs and pursues a crackdown on organized crime.

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Story summary

Thirteen people died at a Machala prison after an explosion outside the facility on December 8.
The Servicio Nacional de Atención Integral a Personas Privadas de Libertad (SNAI) conducts autopsies.
Earlier incidents in Ecuador indicate asphyxiation as a common factor.
The November riot left at least 31 people dead.
The government of President Daniel Noboa attributes the violence to rival gangs and pursues a crackdown on organized crime.