A brawl and armed confrontation inside the ‘El Castillo’ Penitentiary Center in Mazatlán resulted in an official toll of 10 dead and 16 injured this Thursday, as confirmed by the state Secretariat of Public Security.
That morning, the facility was the scene of a violent brawl and armed clash during family visiting hours. According to information provided exclusively to DEBATE by the Sinaloa Secretariat of Public Security, the toll was 10 fatalities—nine inmates and one visiting family member—along with 16 injured inmates, who were immediately transported to receive pre-hospital medical care.
The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., sparking panic among inmates and their families who were inside and outside the prison. Witnesses described scenes of desperation and screaming as authorities launched a major security operation to regain control of the facility.
The operation: Army, Navy, and National Guard intervene
Following the events, an inter-agency task force was deployed, comprising personnel from the Mexican Army, the National Guard, the Navy (which conducted helicopter overflights), and the State Police.
The objective was to contain the situation, prevent escapes, and protect the safety of inmates, staff, and visitors.
Federal and state forces maintained a presence for several hours while thorough inspections of the housing units were conducted and the prison perimeter was secured. Authorities reported that the situation was brought under control and that the rest of the prison population is safe.
Security protocol activated at the prison
Sinuhé Téllez López, head of the Sinaloa Secretariat of Public Security, entered the penitentiary center without providing additional information regarding the situation inside the facility. For their part, prison staff activated a security protocol and restricted access for the inmates’ relatives who were waiting outside.
Prison authorities stated that they would provide further information once conditions permitted.
