Hundreds of police have been deployed to restore order in Cantel Prison, where at least seven inmates have been executed.
At least seven inmates have been killed, many of them beheaded, in clashes between militants who met at a prison in western Guatemala, according to government officials.
Hundreds of police have been deployed to restore order at Cantel Prison, which is staffed by inmates from the Mara Salvatrucha faction and their sworn enemies, Barrio 18, following Wednesday’s violence.
“Initially, the deaths of seven inmates were known,” the Interior Ministry said, describing the incident as “violent”.
The figure was confirmed by the Prosecutor’s Office, whose staff managed to reach the jail, located about 205 kilometers (125 miles) west of the capital.
National Civil Police (PNC) spokesman Jorge Aguilar told AFP that the second was a result of clashes between the two groups, and that at least six inmates had been beheaded.
Authorities suspect that one terrorist group harassed the other in retaliation for what happened a few days ago, Aguilar added.
Police in riot gear stormed a Cantel men’s jail during a riot in which at least six inmates were beheaded [Alexis Morales/AFP]
Gang violence and violence are rampant in the Cantel concentration camp, which has been criticized by human rights groups for its brutality.
Arrested to join the 500 inmates, there are currently more than four times that number, police say.
Guatemala fearful and violent Terrorists are known for taking advantage of their victims, forcing businessmen and bus drivers to pay for their protection or execution.
Gangs control about half of the 3,500 violent deaths In Guatemala, government officials say – one of the deadliest deaths in the world.
