Deadly Clashes Erupt in Mexican Prison Between Rival Gang Supporters

Mexican authorities reported that deadly clashes occurred inside a prison in Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa state, involving two rival groups loyal to prominent cartel leaders Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, both currently detained.

The unrest broke out within the prison, which is located in a stronghold of the well-known Sinaloa cartel. Prison officials later confirmed they had regained control of the facility and temporarily suspended family visitations.

Officials did not disclose the immediate causes of the fighting but announced the initiation of an extensive search operation inside the prison, involving local and federal forces.

In recent years, Mexico has witnessed several violent prison riots resulting in dozens of fatalities. Human rights organizations and security experts warn that Mexican prisons frequently serve as extensions of criminal gang conflicts, with some groups maintaining influence inside correctional institutions through smuggling networks and illicit communications.