Guatemala's Gang Violence Leaves Nine Police Dead

Gang violence in Guatemala has taken a deadly turn, with nine police officers losing their lives in a series of attacks. The trouble began on Saturday when members of the Barrio 18 gang took control of three prisons, holding 46 guards hostage. Their demand? Better treatment and privileges. Things got worse on Sunday. Security forces managed to regain control of a prison where the gang's leader, Aldo "El Lobo" Duppie, was held. But this victory came at a cost. Gang members struck back, launching attacks on police in and around Guatemala City. Seven officers and one gang member were killed, and many more were hurt. The violence didn't stop there. Another officer died on Sunday night, and a ninth officer, Frallan Medrano, passed away early Monday from injuries sustained in an ambush. In response, President Bernardo Arevalo declared a 30-day "state of siege. " This move gives security forces more power and may limit some civil liberties.President Arevalo made it clear that the attacks were not just against the police but against the entire country. He believes the violence was planned by "political-criminal mafias" trying to create fear before important judicial appointments. It's worth noting that the gang leader, El Lobo, is married to the niece of Sandra Torres, Arevalo's main rival in the 2023 presidential election. On Monday, the streets of Guatemala City were mostly calm, but police and military forces were out in full force. Schools across the country were closed as a precaution. Last October, Guatemala's Congress officially classified the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs as terrorist organizations.