Bloody riot in a Mexican prison: horror during visitation hours

An uprising in a prison in Mazatlan, a city in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, turned into a bloody clash. The incident, which began during visitation hours, resulted in the deaths of 10 people and injuries to 16 inmates.

Armed Uprising at Mazatlan Prison

In a statement issued by the Sinaloa Public Security Secretariat, it was noted that a revolt erupted in the prison during visitation hours. The report said that nine inmates and a close associate of an inmate lost their lives, while 16 injured inmates were taken to hospitals for treatment.

Local press reports alleged that firearms were used during the uprising. However, authorities have yet to provide detailed information on what triggered the incident or how the clash escalated.

Control Restored at the Prison Housing About 1,800 Inmates

The Mexican Federal Security Council announced that National Guardsmen intervened in the prison incident. It was reported that security forces' efforts at the facility housing roughly 1,800 inmates brought the situation under control.

Officials did not give a detailed statement that investigations into the incident's start and the reasons behind the uprising were ongoing.

Security Issue in Mexican Prisons on the Agenda

In the violent incidents occurring in Mexican prisons, excessive inmate density and the influence of drug gangs are cited as major problems. Housing more prisoners than capacity in some facilities hampers security and raises the risk of conflict among inmates.

The uprising in Mazatlán has brought the security conditions of prisons and the violence problem in the country back into focus.