[1] The Ecuadorian government says that the riots are caused by gang warfare over control of territory and drug trafficking routes.
[2] On 3 April, at least 20 inmates were killed during a riot inside El Turi prison in Cuenca, southern Ecuador.
[1] On 9 May, a riot broke out between members of rival gangs Los Lobos and R7 inside Bellavista prison in Santo Domingo, central Ecuador.
[1] A hundred and twelve inmates tried to escape during the riot, but were apprehended inside the prison grounds.
[4][1] On 18 July, 13 inmates were killed and two more injured after a riot broke out again in the Bellavista prison in Santo Domingo.