Particle.news
Download on the App Store
13 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

Guatemala Declares 30-Day State of Siege After Coordinated Prison Uprisings and Police Killings

Officials blame Barrio 18 for orchestrating riots over revoked privileges as the government rejects negotiations and intensifies a nationwide crackdown.

Inmates gather at a security tower at the Renovacion 1 prison, as inmates at three Guatemalan prisons rioted on Saturday and took mostly prison guards hostage, authorities said, in Escuintla, Guatemala, January 17, 2026. REUTERS/Josue Decavele
Image
Inmates gather at a security tower at the Renovacion 1 prison, as inmates at three Guatemalan prisons rioted on Saturday and took mostly prison guards hostage, authorities said, in Escuintla, Guatemala, January 17, 2026. REUTERS/Josue Decavele
Inmates gather at a security tower at the Renovacion 1 prison, as inmates at three Guatemalan prisons rioted on Saturday and took mostly prison guards hostage, authorities said, in Escuintla, Guatemala, January 17, 2026. REUTERS/Josue Decavele

Overview

  • President Bernardo Arévalo announced a monthlong state of siege following attacks that the interior minister said killed seven National Civil Police officers and wounded 10.
  • Inmates staged coordinated riots across three prisons on Saturday, initially seizing at least 46 workers, mostly guards and including a psychologist, according to authorities.
  • Hundreds of anti-riot police stormed the Renovación 1 facility in Escuintla on Sunday, freeing nine guards there and reasserting control without reported injuries to hostages.
  • National Civil Police later reported retaking the other two prisons in the capital and freeing six guards at one and 28 at the other, though officials noted a discrepancy with the earlier count of 46 hostages.
  • Officials said the unrest was organized by the Barrio 18 gang in response to revoked privileges and a push for better conditions for leaders; schools were suspended nationwide and joint police–military patrols were expanded.