(CNN)Fifty-five inmates have died in gang-related riots at four prisons in western Brazil, according to authorities.
Fifteen prisoners were found dead Sunday and 40 more Monday in the city of Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas, the region’s Governor Wilson Lima said.
Lima said authorities believe the deaths are a result of violent clashes among rival factions within the same drug gang, known as the Family of the North. Nine gang leaders are being transferred to maximum security prisons.
