Clashes at Sri Lankan prison result in at least 19 fatalities and over 100 injuries

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Clashes at Sri Lankan prison result in at least 19 fatalities and over 100 injuries

9 minutes ago

News sources:

INDIATIMES

ALJAZEERA

REUTERS

SCMP

Clashes at Sri Lankan prison result in at least 19 fatalities and over 100 injuries

Credited from: REUTERS

At least 19 dead and over 100 injured in Sri Lankan prison clashes.
The violence began due to conflicts between rival inmate groups.
Security forces have deployed to restore order at the prison.

Violent clashes at a prison in Negombo, Sri Lanka, have resulted in at least 19 fatalities and over 100 injuries, including four prison guards. The unrest began when rival groups of inmates engaged in fighting and escalated further with inmates reportedly seizing firearms. Hospital director Pushpa Gamlath confirmed that casualties were transported to Negombo Hospital, which has received both dead and injured inmates from the incident, according to Indiatimes and Al Jazeera.

Investigations suggest that the violence was fueled by a feud between inmates associated with drug trafficking operations, leading to heightened security measures. Authorities have deployed riot control units to manage the situation, and officials are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Multiple sources have indicated differing death tolls, with reports citing as many as 23 to 25 dead, highlighting the severity of the clashes. This unrest marks one of the worst prison riots in over five years, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.