A deadly fight inside a prison in northwestern Mexico has left 10 people dead and 16 inmates injured, prompting a major security response.
The violence erupted on Thursday at El Castillo Penitentiary in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, during family visiting hours. State authorities confirmed that nine inmates and one visiting minor died in the incident. However, officials have not yet explained what triggered the clash.
Authorities Regain Control of Prison
Sinaloa’s Public Security Secretariat confirmed the deaths and injuries following the confrontation. Security personnel, including members of the army, National Guard, navy and state forces, entered the facility to restore order. Authorities later confirmed that they had regained control of the prison.
The 16 injured inmates received medical attention. Meanwhile, officials began investigating the circumstances surrounding the violence.
Authorities have not released further details about the cause of the fight or identified those responsible.
Sinaloa Faces Ongoing Security Challenges
The incident highlights continuing security concerns in Sinaloa, a northwestern state affected by violence linked to rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The conflict intensified in September 2024, when a power struggle divided groups associated with the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and supporters of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
Prison overcrowding and insufficient staffing have also contributed to concerns about safety inside Mexican correctional facilities, according to analysts.
A separate prison riot in Culiacán, Sinaloa’s capital, killed seven inmates in May.
Investigation Underway
State authorities are investigating the latest incident to establish how the confrontation began and determine responsibility. The deaths of a visiting child and nine inmates have renewed attention on safety inside the prison system. Officials have not announced a timeline for completing the investigation.
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