62 killed in Ecuador prison riots

SANAA, Feb. 24 (YPA) – More than 62 people have been killed as a result of prison riots in three cities in Ecuador, between rival gangs and an escape attempt, authorities said Tuesday.

Prisons Director Edmundo Moncayo said in a news conference that 800 police offices have been helping to regain control of the facilities.

Hundreds of officers from tactical units had been deployed since the clashes broke out late Monday.

Moncayo explained that two groups were trying to gain “criminal leadership within the detention centers” and that the clashes were precipitated by a search for weapons carried out Monday by police officers.

Moncayo added  33 died at the prison in Cuenca in southern Ecuador, 21 in the Pacific coast city of Guayaquil and eight in the central city of Latacunga.

E.M