At least three dead and 9 injured in attempted escape of nearly 200 inmates in Panama jail

An attempted mass escape at Panama's La Joyita prison has left at least three inmates dead and six others injured. The incident, which occurred Monday, also saw three police officers sustain injuries.

Panamanian authorities reported that 195 inmates participated in the escape attempt from the jail, located on the outskirts of the capital. As of Tuesday, 126 of the fugitives have been recaptured, but 69 remain at large. National Police Director Jaime Fernández described the ongoing search for the identified escapees as a "challenge."

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The U.S. is determinant to combat crime and narcoterrorism in our country. I am very honored to receive the decisive support of President Donald Trump and his government, and I know that in the era of El Tigre, we will have a partnership like Colombia has never had with the United States.

Officials are investigating the cause of the riot and escape, as well as the responsibility of the security personnel on duty. The unrest reportedly followed the transfer of "high-profile" inmates from La Joyita to a prison in Chiriquí province, though a direct link was not specified.

La Joyita is known for severe overcrowding. In 2025, it reportedly held 4,702 inmates, far exceeding its capacity of 2,837. Nationwide, Panama's prisons are operating at 135% capacity, with over 24,000 inmates.

“

The U.S. is determinant to combat crime and narcoterrorism in our country. I am very honored to receive the decisive support of President Donald Trump and his government, and I know that in the era of El Tigre, we will have a partnership like Colombia has never had with the United States.