Inmates clash with National Guard troops in riot at Venezuelan prison

CARACAS, Venezuela – A riot has broken out at a Venezuelan prison where armed inmates have clashed with National Guard troops.

Penitentiary Service Minister Iris Varela says on state television that the riot at Uribana prison in the central city of Barquisimeto broke out when groups of inmates attacked National Guard troops who were attempting to carry out an inspection.

Ruy Medina is the director of Central Hospital in the city, and he told the Venezuelan television channel Globovision on Friday that four dead victims and 61 wounded people had been brought from the prison.

Varela said the violence had affected a number of prisoners and officials, but said the authorities would hold off until control had been re-established at the prison to confirm the toll.