Death in Escuintla: Gangs take brutal revenge for prison riot!

Death in Escuintla: Gangs take brutal revenge for prison riot!

What is happening in Guatemala? A dramatic series of events has recently unfolded that threatens not only national security but also public order. Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda reported that seven police officers were killed in Escuintla as gang members retaliated for the government's refusal to transfer their leaders to a less secure prison. These horrific acts add to the increasing violence emanating from the two largest gangs, Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), which are responsible for much of the country's drug trafficking.

The day before, inmates in three prisons took a total of 46 people hostage to put pressure on the government. However, police were able to regain control of one of the prisons on Sunday, and thankfully there were no casualties on either side. Nine hostages were freed in a brutal operation that lasted just 15 minutes. Villeda was saddened by the loss of the seven national police officers who were “cowardly” attacked, and informed about another ten injured police officers and the shooting of a suspected gang member.

The gang attacks and their background

The background to these attacks is complex. The gangs are demanding the return of ten of their leaders who were placed in solitary confinement to continue their criminal activities. Interior Minister Francisco Jiménez confirmed that at least six guards were being held hostage, making the situation even more tense. Pressure on the authorities is growing as gang members threaten further acts of violence to enforce their demands.

The government faces a difficult decision: give in or stand firm? Villeda said they were ready to negotiate but would not give in. Defense Minister Henry Saenz stressed that the military wants to continue to “dismantle criminal groups,” while President Bernardo Arevalo has convened an emergency cabinet to make “crucial decisions to maintain security.”

The impact on society

With a murder rate of 16.1 per 100,000 people, Guatemala already had one of the highest murder rates in the world at the end of 2025 - more than twice the global average. These figures underline the threatening situation that citizens are faced with. The latest developments show how deeply rooted the roots of violence are in the country and how rivalries between gang groups in the country are increasing.

The events follow various violent incidents, including a massacre afterwards that left seven people dead at a funeral home. The vicious circle of violence seems unstoppable and hope for a real improvement in the security situation is dwindling. The Guatemalan government faces the challenge of addressing this complex threat while restoring the population's trust in the security forces.

Reporting on these events is crucial, not only for Guatemala, but also for the international community, which should pay attention to developments in the region. Washington has already designated both gang groups as terrorist organizations, increasing pressure on the Guatemalan government. At a time when security and stability are at stake, Guatemala shows how explosive the security situation can be in many countries around the world.