Guatemala's State of Siege: Battle Against Barrio 18

Guatemala's president declared a state of siege after gang violence led by the Barrio 18 gang left several police officers dead. Riots in prisons and retaliation attacks on police triggered the government's response to restore order. The leader of the gang, El Lobo, was re-captured.

Guatemala's President Bernardo Arevalo declared a state of siege following a weekend of gang violence that resulted in the deaths of seven police officers and the injury of ten others. The violence was initiated by the Barrio 18 gang during prison riots where inmates took 46 guards hostage.

The riots reportedly aimed at pushing for more privileges for the gang members. The situation escalated as security forces regained control of the prisons and re-captured gang leader Aldo Duppie, known as El Lobo. In retaliation, gang members launched attacks on police in areas around Guatemala City.

A 30-day state of siege allows for expanded security powers and temporary suspension of civil liberties. President Arevalo assured that normal life should not be disrupted. Schools canceled classes, and the U.S. Embassy issued security advisories. Barrio 18 was recently declared a terrorist organization by both Guatemala and the U.S.