Gang Violence In Guatemala Kills Seven Police Officers

Escuintla: Gang violence in Guatemala killed seven police officers on Sunday after inmates seized control of several high-security prisons and took guards hostage, authorities said.

The violence erupted after security forces moved to regain control of the prisons following coordinated riots by jailed gang members. Hundreds of anti-riot police stormed the Renovacion prison in Escuintla, about 76 kilometres southwest of Guatemala City, and freed nine guards who had been held hostage since the previous night. Officials said the guards were unharmed.

The unrest began late Saturday when inmates at three maximum-security prisons launched coordinated uprisings to protest a decision by prison authorities to withdraw privileges granted to some gang leaders. In total, 46 guards were taken hostage across the three prisons. While control was restored at the Renovacion prison, more than three dozen guards remained in captivity at two other facilities as of Sunday.

Outside the prison walls, armed gang members carried out retaliatory attacks across Guatemala City. Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda said seven national police officers were killed and 10 others were injured in the assaults. One gang member was also killed during the clashes.

Police have arrested seven suspected gang members so far and seized two rifles and two vehicles. The interior minister said the attacks were a response to the government’s intensified crackdown on organised crime, adding that authorities would not negotiate with criminal groups.

Amid heightened tensions, the Ministry of Education announced that classes would be suspended nationwide on Monday to ensure the safety of students and teachers. Security has been reinforced at prisons, and joint patrols by police and the military have been increased in several areas.