At least 20 escaped inmates are now free after a riot at one of Mexico’s most notorious prisons turned into a deadly escape on Sunday. At least 10 people were killed.
The state prosecutor said in a statement that the Mexican military, national guard and local police had now brought the situation under control on Sunday afternoon.
The prison riot took place in Ciudad Juárez, a northern border city ravaged by gang violence. The mayor of Juárez, Cruz Pérez Cuéllar, told local media that armed gunmen had entered the prison.
Cereso State Prison, located in the city, is considered one of Latin America’s most dangerous institutions. Deadly prison riots are common: including one in 2009, where 20 people diedand another in 2011, where 17 people died.
In August, Mexican army soldiers and National Guard troops were called in to help after three people died in a gang fight in prison. follow El Paso Times.
Government officials have said that the prison is run by members of an organized crime group known as the Mexicles. For years, the group planned and ordered attacks on the city of Juárez from inside the prison, according to officials.
Mexican news agencies reported that 10 guards were killed along with 4 prisoners.
diary released images of smoke rising from the prison, while residents said they heard intense gunfire.
Eyder Peralta contributed reporting.
