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Six killed, several wounded in Guatemala prison brawl

Monday, 30 November 2015 5:39 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 30 November 2015 5:40 AM ]

The file photo shows a prison in Guatemala

At least six prisoners have been killed and a number of others wounded during a brawl among inmates at an overcrowded prison in Guatemala, officials say.

Prison officials said on Monday that the fight had erupted at the prison known as Granja de Rehabilitacion Canada the previous day.

Guatemalan Deputy Interior Minister Elmer Sosa said police and soldiers had intervened and prevented further bloodshed at the prison, located some 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of the capital, Guatemala City.

The fight erupted between members of the Mara 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs and other prisoners. Some of the prisoners were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles.

The prison currently houses 3,092 prisoners, more than five times the number of people it was designed to hold. This is while a debt-ridden Mexican company has been tasked by Guatemala to expand the prison.

The Mara gang groups, which originated from the United States, are known for their activities such as armed human and drug trafficking, theft, identity theft, illegal immigration, and money laundering.

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