At Least 22 Killed In Venezuela Prison Riots

Bloody riots at a Venezuelan prison descended into a gunfight between thousands of troops and inmates, after violence that left at least 22 people dead.

Officials said most prisoners had been brought under control

A least one soldier was killed as members of the National Guard stormed armed convicts at El Rodeo I jail, while another 19 were wounded.
It came after a riot at the facility earlier in the week left 21 inmates and a visitor dead - among a series of violent outbursts in Venezuela's severely crowded and gang-ridden prisons.

Relatives of inmates clashed with troops outside the prison

Troops used tear gas and a water cannon to keep relatives of inmates back from the jail following the latest disturbance, as ambulances emerged to carry out those injured in the clashes.
Vice President Elias Jaua confirmed the death of the soldier, but did not mention any fresh casualties among the inmates.
Deputy justice minister Nestor Reverol told state television some of the troops were shot with high-powered weapons.