(AP Photo/Moises Castillo, File)FILE - Soldiers patrol an area next to a piece of graffiti referring to the Mara Salvatrucha gang during the country's state of emergency, following an escalation of gang-related violence, on the outskirts of Guatemala City, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo, File)FILE - Soldiers patrol an area next to a piece of graffiti referring to the Mara Salvatrucha gang during the country's state of emergency, following an escalation of gang-related violence, on the outskirts of Guatemala City, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo, File)GUATEMALA CITY -- Guatemala lifted its state of emergency Monday, one month after President Bernardo Arévalo sought special powers following the killing of 10 police officers by suspected gang members. The brief state of emergency contrasts with extraordinary powers granted to El Salvador President Nayib Bukele to deal with gang violence that have been renewed monthly by that country's Congress for nearly four years. In January, gangs in Guatemala retaliated against police after authorities put down riots in three prisons.

Source: ABC News February 17, 2026 07:24 UTC