Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo has declared a 30-day state of siege following coordinated gang violence that killed at least seven police officers, after authorities regained control of three prisons.
The emergency measure, which can take effect before congressional approval, allows temporary restrictions on civil liberties and expands the powers of security forces under Guatemalan law.
Key developments
• Gang-linked inmates took 46 prison guards hostage in three men’s prisons.
• Authorities blamed the unrest on the Barrio 18 gang, which demanded reduced security conditions for imprisoned leaders.
• Violence followed a security operation at Renovación prison in Escuintla, where gang leader Aldo “El Lobo” Duppie was recaptured.
• Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda said the killings were retaliatory attacks aimed at “terrorising” the state.
President Arévalo confirmed all hostages were freed and announced three days of national mourning, while insisting normal life should continue.
ℹ️ DW News
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