At least 79 inmates have died in prison riots across Ecuador, as fights between rival gangs and an escape attempt prompted violence.
“These were two groups vying for criminal leadership within the detention centres,” said Edmundo Moncayo, the director of Ecuador’s prison agency.
800 police officers are attempting to regain control of the three facilities, said Mr Moncayo.
United Nations representatives have called for “a prompt and impartial investigation” into this week’s deadly riots, as well as “corresponding sanction to those responsible”.