Army takes over Honduras prison after riot
Army takes over Honduras prison after riot
Honduras deploys troops to provide security at country's main prison after gunfight leaves three people dead.
Last Modified: 04 Aug 2013 14:22
Honduran President Porfirio Lobo has ordered that soldiers be put in charge of security at the country's main prison after a riot there left at least three gang members dead and 12 people injured.
The aim of the move was to "end the reign of criminals in our prison system, which has done so much damage to our society," Lobo said in a statement on Saturday.
Police spokesman Miguel Martinez said members of the "Barrio 18" gang fought with other prisoners in Honduras' national penitentiary, which houses 3,351 inmates and is located about 15km north of the capital, Tegucigalpa.
Jose Simeon Flores, director of penitentiaries, said three guards were wounded by gunfire.
"The gang members used AK-47s, according to them, to defend themselves from other prisoners. They also exploded a fragmentation grenade,'' Flores said.
More:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2013/08/2013849523724918.html