It's a bloody end of the year in the Mexican prison world. A riot in a prison in the center of the country on Tuesday killed 16 and injured five, local authorities said on Wednesday. The prisoners clashed with pistols and knives, which were seized after the riot, according to the Ministry of Public Security of the Mexican state of Zacetecas.
The situation is under control
"Tuesday afternoon, a fight broke out in the Regional Center for Social Reintegration," said the ministry. Authorities arrested a prisoner who was in possession of a gun. "Three other firearms were discovered, as well as knives, with which it is likely that the killings were committed," said the ministry of public security. The premises were searched to ensure that no other weapons remained. "The situation in the penal complex is under control" on Wednesday.
Recurring violence
The prison, located in the town of Cieneguillas, and another located in a nearby town, Fresnillo, had already been searched last weekend, the same source said. An investigation has been opened and the victims are being identified.
Recurring incidents and violence in Mexican prisons are attributed to overcrowding and the presence of organized gangs. A riot in October in a prison in the state of Morelos (center) left six dead, including the head of the powerful cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion.
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