Seven Police Killed After Guatemala Retakes Prison From Gang Mutineers

Overview

• Coordinated uprisings by Barrio 18 and MS-13 erupted across multiple Guatemalan prisons on January 17 in protest over leader transfers to maximum security.
• Police and soldiers stormed the Renovación I facility in Escuintla with armored vehicles and tear gas, regained control, and freed nine guard hostages.
• Authorities said they neutralized a gang leader known as “Lobo” during the operation at Renovación I.
• Hostage situations persist with 28 guards held at Fraijanes II and nine people held at the Preventivo prison, according to prison officials.
• Following the retaking of Renovación I, Barrio 18 carried out attacks that killed seven police officers and wounded at least ten, prompting troop deployments and a nationwide school cancellation on Monday, officials said.