Asia-Pacific

29 inmates, 10 officers killed in Mexican violence

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-15 14:22

MEXICO CITY - A total of 29 inmates were killed Monday in a prison riot in the northwestern city of Mazatlan in Mexico's Sinaloa state, officials said.

Meanwhile, at least ten police officers died on the same day in two ambushes by unknown gunmen in the central city of Zitacuaro in Michoacan state.

Sinaloa State Public Security Secretary Josefina Garcia confirmed that 18 inmates were shot dead and 11 others were stabbed to death during clashes between rival drug gangs over the control of a prison in Mazatlan. At least three guards and other several prisoners were injured.

When the riot was brought under control, firearms including an assault rifle were found. Sinaloa is home to the Sinaloa drug cartel.

Michoacan state police said the slain officers had finished patrol and were headed to Mexico City when they came under attack. The officers returned fire, killing some gunmen and wounding several others. At least 15 officers were also wounded in the attacks.

Michoacan is home base of the La Familia drug cartel and a crucial front in President Felipe Calderon's campaign against organized crime.

Mexico has been torn by drug-related violence in recent years.