UPDATE: 60 killed in Brazil jail riot

At least 60 inmates were killed in a prison riot in Brazil, security authorities in the north-western state of Amazonas said Monday. Several of the victims were decapitated, said the security secretary for Amazonas, Sergio Fontes, according to news portal G1. The rebellion began on Sunday in the Anisio Jobim prison in the northern city […]

At least 60 inmates were killed in a prison riot in Brazil, security authorities in the north-western state of Amazonas said Monday.

Several of the victims were decapitated, said the security secretary for Amazonas, Sergio Fontes, according to news portal G1.

The rebellion began on Sunday in the Anisio Jobim prison in the northern city of Manaos when rival groups of prisoners attacked each other. About 90 inmates escaped, television channel Globo News reported.

Fontes told a news conference the riot began late Sunday and lasted until Monday around 7 am (1100 GMT) when security forces regained control of the prison. The suspected cause is control of drug dealing within the facility.

Twelve prison guards and 74 inmates were taken prisoner for periods of time during the riot.

The headless bodies of six prisoners were thrown from the building by inmates who led the uprising.

The number of dead is the highest in a prison riot since 1992 when 111 inmates died after police stormed a prison in Carandiru in Sao Paulo. In October 2016 several revolts within a week left 18 prisoners dead.

Criminal gangs are organized across Brazil and their members who are incarcerated are able to communication with each other using mobile telephones. This has enabled drug dealing behind bars.

Unions representing prison employees have criticized what they say are staffing numbers that are far too low. (DPA)