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2w ago

Guatemala Imposes 30-Day State of Siege After Prison Riots and Gang Attacks Kill 9 Police

The decree takes immediate effect pending congressional approval, enabling expanded police and military operations under temporary restrictions on civil liberties.

Riot police enter Zone 18 prison during gang violence following prison riots that left several police officers dead, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, January 18, 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
Police guard the area as forensic investigators examine the body of a police officer killed in attacks reported after security forces retook control of a prison that houses gang leaders in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
Security forces enter the Renovation maximum-security prison to free guards taken hostage and retake control of the facility, which houses gang leaders, in Escuintla, Guatemala, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Overview

  • Inmates linked to Barrio 18 coordinated riots in three prisons over the weekend, seizing dozens of guards and staff as hostages as authorities moved to revoke gang privileges.
  • Security forces retook all three facilities and reported that all hostages were freed, while images showed Barrio 18 leader Aldo “El Lobo” Duppie subdued and back in custody.
  • Suspected gang reprisals in and around Guatemala City left nine police officers dead and at least 10 wounded, with one suspected attacker killed, several arrests reported, and weapons and vehicles seized.
  • President Bernardo Arévalo’s state of siege allows wider security force powers and temporary limits on movement and assembly, with heavy patrols deployed and nationwide classes suspended.
  • Officials maintained a no‑negotiation stance with gangs designated as terrorist organizations, as investigators continued to reconcile initial reports of 46 hostages with 43 later confirmed freed.