7 killed during inmate fighting in northern Mexico near US border, 59 prisoners escape

 

MEXICO CITY — Mexican officials say fighting among inmates at a prison near the U.S. border has killed seven prisoners and allowed at least 59 others to escape.

The clash happened Friday in the city of Nuevo Laredo, which borders Laredo, Texas.

The government of Tamaulipas state says five prison guards abandoned their posts during the fight.

At least 35 of the escaped prisoners faced federal criminal prosecutions.

Tamaulipas is one of the states most affected by drug violence and has faced prison problems such as escapes in recent years.

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