Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has granted preemptive pardons for police and military personnel responding to an armed attack that killed at least 22 in the southern city of Guayaquil yesterday.

Five inmates were found dead Friday at Ecuador's biggest prison, the SNAI prison agency said, a day after fatal clashes between rival gangs erupted in the same port city of Guayaquil.

A violent clash between gang factions in Ecuador's Guayaquil resulted in nearly two dozen fatalities. The conflict erupted as Los Tiguerones fought over territory. Authorities responded with extensive searches and arrests.

Ecuador's president announced on Friday an amnesty for security forces fighting drug cartels in the port city of Guayaquil, where 22 people were killed in fierce gunfights between rival gangs.

Detainees are shown to the press after police detained them in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Friday, March 7, 2025, for alleged involvement with the previous day's massacre in the Socio Vivienda 2

Detainees are shown to the press after police detained them in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Friday, March 7, 2025, for alleged involvement with the previous day's massacre in the Socio Vivienda 2