By Zoila Palma: The death toll from suspected gang attacks on Guatemalan police rose to 10 on Monday, as the country tightened security following coordinated prison riots and street violence.
The unrest began Saturday when inmates seized control of 3 prisons, taking 43 guards hostage while demanding privileges for gang members and leaders.
After police regained control of one prison Sunday morning, suspected gang members launched a series of attacks on police officers across Guatemala City, authorities said.
President Bernardo Arévalo responded by declaring a 30-day state of emergency, which was approved by Congress late Monday by a vote of 149 to 1.
The emergency measures limit freedom of movement and demonstrations and allow police to arrest suspected gang members without a judicial order. Security forces are also authorized to restrict vehicle movement and conduct searches.
Although the declaration formally went into effect Sunday, its publication in the government gazette on Monday cited “coordinated actions by self-named maras or gangs against state security forces.”
Police honored the fallen officers during a ceremony at the Interior Ministry on Monday, where flag-draped coffins were displayed.
The violence has disrupted daily life across the capital, with lighter traffic reported and widespread fear among residents.
Schools were suspended nationwide as a precaution, and the U.S. Embassy temporarily instructed its personnel to shelter in place, later advising continued caution. The embassy condemned the attacks, calling the perpetrators terrorists and reaffirming support for Guatemala’s security forces.
The post International News: Death toll rises in Guatemalan gang riots appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The death toll from suspected gang attacks on Guatemalan police rose to 10 on Monday, as the country tightened security following coordinated prison riots and street violence. The unrest began Saturday when inmates seized control of 3 prisons, taking 43 guards hostage while demanding privileges for gang members and leaders. After police
The post International News: Death toll rises in Guatemalan gang riots appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
