Ninth policeman dies in Guatemala gang riots, attacksListen to this articleGuatemala has declared a state of emergency over an outbreak of gang violence, in which nine police officers were killedGUATEMALA CITY - Authorities in Guatemala said Monday a ninth police officer died of his injuries following an outbreak of gang violence, over which the government declared a state of emergency. The state of emergency took immediate effect, despite requiring approval by the opposition-controlled Congress. Arevalo said the state of emergency would allow the police and army to act against organized crime. Since mid-2025, gang members have staged several uprisings in Guatemalan prisons to demand their leaders be held in less restrictive conditions. In October, the authorities reported that 20 leaders of the Barrio 18 gang had escaped from prison.

Source: Bangkok Post January 19, 2026 21:35 UTC