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1h ago

Guatemala Frees Hostages in Prison Raid as Retaliatory Attacks Kill 7 Police

Officials link the coordinated riots to Barrio 18 reacting to revoked privileges.

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
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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

  • Hundreds of anti-riot police stormed the Renovacion 1 maximum-security prison in Escuintla, freeing nine guards and retaking control without reported casualties.
  • Authorities said Aldo Duppie, known as El Lobo and identified as a top Barrio 18 leader, was subdued during the operation.
  • Officials reported seven police officers killed and ten wounded in subsequent attacks that they attributed to gang retaliation, with one suspected gang member killed.
  • With Renovacion 1 secured, 37 hostages remain at two other prisons, including 28 at Fraijanes II and nine at the Preventivo facility near Guatemala City.
  • The interior minister ruled out negotiations or restoration of privileges, while schools were ordered closed nationwide for Jan. 19 and public activities in the capital were canceled as joint police–army operations were prepared.