7 police officials killed as coordinated gang attacks erupt amid Guatemala prison unrest

Violence erupted in Guatemala’s capital on Sunday after security forces retook control of one of three maximum security prisons. Suspected gang members killed seven police officers in attacks across and around Guatemala City, authorities said.

The attacks came shortly after hundreds of anti-riot police stormed Renovacion prison in Escuintla, about 47 miles (76 kilometres) southwest of the capital. Officers moved in to free nine guards who had been taken hostage during riots a day earlier. Authorities have said jailed gang leaders often order retaliatory attacks outside prison walls.

President orders security deployment

President Bernardo Arévalo said later on X that he had ordered police and soldiers into the streets. He was due to address the nation on television on Sunday evening.

Shots were heard as riot squads entered the prison holding gang leaders. Around 15 minutes later, an Associated Press journalist saw the freed guards being escorted out. They appeared unharmed. No injuries or deaths were immediately reported during the operation.

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Later on Sunday, authorities said they had retaken control of a second prison on the north side of Guatemala City. The National Civil Police said six guards were freed there.

One other prison remained under inmate control. It was not immediately clear how many guards were still being held.

Coordinated uprising 

Inmates seized control of the three prisons a day earlier in a coordinated uprising. The action followed a decision by prison authorities to strip privileges from some jailed gang leaders. Officials said inmates took a total of 46 guards hostage across the three facilities.

As security forces worked to restore order, armed gangs carried out apparent reprisals outside the prisons. Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda said seven national police officers were killed in attacks across Guatemala City.

He said another 10 officers were wounded and one gang member was killed. Authorities have arrested seven suspected gang members so far, seized two rifles and confiscated two vehicles.

Villeda praised the police response, calling it “the result of not negotiating with criminals”.

“The state will not kneel before these criminals,” he said, linking the attacks and prison riots to the government’s intensified crackdown on organised crime.

With tensions high, the Ministry of Education said classes would be suspended nationwide on Monday the 19th “to prioritize the safety” of students and teachers.

Police have reinforced guards at several prisons and increased joint patrols with the military.