Fighting between inmates at Ecuador's largest prison, Litoral, has left at least 15 people dead and 14 injured, Reuters reported, citing authorities.

Litoral prison in the coastal city of Guayaquil is often the site of riots and killings, including one in 2021 that left 119 inmates dead.

Authorities have provided few details about what sparked the latest outbreak of violence. Prison officials said police and the military had been deployed to the prison to bring it under control.

Local media reported that helicopters were seen over the prison, and relatives of inmates gathered at the gates to check on their loved ones.