Guatemala declares state of siege after gang violence

"According to Guatemalan law, a state of siege can temporarily limit or suspend civil liberties and expand the the power of security forces in response to threats to public order. Authorities retake control over prisons On Saturday, 46 guards were held hostage by gang-affiliated inmates in three Guatemalan men's security prisons. Authorities blamed the riots on the Barrio18 gang which has been demanding that its incarcerated leaders get greater privileges, including being moved to lower-security facilities."

"The killings of the police officers took place in the capital Guatemala City and nearby areas in an apparent retaliation to hundreds of anti-riot police sweeping in and regaining control of the maximum security Renovacion prison in Escuintla where Barrio 18's leader, Aldo Duppie, was held. Duppie, also known as El Lobo, was subdued and taken back into custody. Images provided by authorities showed officers on Sunday morning escorting the leader, who appeared to have a bloody shoulder, out of the prison."

"Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda told a press conference that the killings were carried out "by these terrorists, in response to the actions the Guatemalan state is taking against them." Ten other police officers were injured in the attack, while one suspected gang member was killed, he added. State of emergency against gangs in Guatemala President Arevalo said authorities had retaken control of all three prisons on Sunday and freed all the hostage guards. He announced a nationwide emergency to combat criminal gangs."

President Bernardo Arevalo declared a 30-day state of siege after suspected gang members killed at least seven police officers following a standoff in three prisons. The state of siege can temporarily limit or suspend civil liberties and expand security forces' powers, and it requires congressional approval though it can take effect before a vote. On Saturday, 46 prison guards were held hostage by gang-affiliated inmates in three men's security prisons. Authorities blamed the Barrio 18 gang, which demanded greater privileges for incarcerated leaders. Security forces regained control of Renovacion prison, subdued leader Aldo Duppie, freed hostages, and announced a nationwide emergency to combat gangs.

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