A riot at a prison in El Salvador has left at least 17 inmates dead on Saturday.(Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    MANAGUA, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- A riot at a prison in El Salvador has left at least 17 inmates dead on Saturday, according to reports reaching here from San Salvador.

    The riot broke out late Friday at the top-security prison in Apanteos, about 70 km from San Salvador, as hundreds of rival gang started to battle each other.

    After guards failed to quell the scuffle, authorities sent in reinforcements to restore order.

    Authorities have transferred some prisoners to another facility from the overcrowded jail.

    A human rights prosecutor was quoted as saying that the riot was the "worst massacre in recent years."

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