Ecuador prison crisis threatens to escalate

Significance

The attack, which involved drones, illustrates the evolving tactics of crime groups, and follows a string of violent, sometimes coordinated, incidents at prisons this year. These have resulted in the deaths of over 120 inmates. Prison violence comes alongside rising crime and growing concerns over the strengthening of transnational drug cartels.

Impacts

• Lasso will face increasing pressure from international human rights groups to protect prisoners and improve prison conditions.
• Rising violence and crime will increase concerns among international investors about the security of investments and risks of extortion.
• Lasso might seek to exploit improved relations with the US and Colombian governments to strengthen international coordination.