Lebanese security forces ended a hostage situation in Roumieh prison during a riot after prisoners had set their mattresses on fire and taken hostage a number of guards, a security source said.

The forces stormed the building and released the hostages – 13 guards and two doctors, the source told MENA.

The prison riot took place reportedly over stricter security measures taken during family visits to prevent the smuggling of drugs and weapons to inmates.

Roumieh prison, which has witnessed sporadic riots and jail breaks, holds almost 5,500 inmates and is known to be the oldest and largest of Lebanon's overcrowded jails.