China News Agency, Beijing, January 3 (Mexico City News): According to Reuters, the Mexican authorities said on the 2nd local time that 19 people were killed in an attack on a prison in Juarez, Chihuahua, northern Mexico. 25 prisoners escaped.
Mexican Defense Minister Luis Crescencio Sandoval said at a press conference that on the morning of the 1st local time, a group of militants in armored vehicles attacked the prison and the city police station almost simultaneously.
He pointed out that the death toll caused by this incident has risen to 19 people, including 10 guards, 7 prisoners and 2 attackers.
The attack led to the escape of 25 prisoners, including a drug cartel leader, reports said.
Mexican Public Security Minister Rosa Isera Rodriguez said a stash of drugs and cash was found inside the prison.
She accused the Chihuahua state government of failing to fulfill its duty to move dangerous prisoners to higher security levels.
Chihuahua State Attorney Roberto Javier Duarte said at a separate news conference on the 2nd that state authorities would "clean out the prison system" and that those convicted of corruption would be prosecuted .
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