Cops killed in Guatemala as gang violence erupts
Violence broke out in parts of Guatemala after Guatemalan security forces regained control of a prison taken over by inmates and detained a top gang leader, the country’s civilian police agency said.
Authorities on Saturday regained control of Renovacion 1 near the southern town of Escuintla, one of three prisons where inmates rioted and took hostages demanding more privileges for gang leaders.
The agency also said authorities on Sunday busted Aldo Duppie, alias El Lobo, who is said to be the top leader of the Barrio 18 gang.
Footage provided by plainclothes police shows police officers escorting El Lobo, whose shoulder appeared to be bloody, out of prison.
Simultaneous attacks on police officers soon began in and around the capital of Guatemala City.
At least seven police officers were killed and one gang member was killed in various attacks, Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda told reporters on Sunday. Ten police officers were injured.
The minister said the government would not negotiate with gang members.
“I do not make deals with gangs. I am fully determined to protect the rule of law,” the minister said.
“We have met with President Bernardo Arévalo and joint operations with the army will be launched to secure city centers and guarantee public safety,” Villeda added.
In an interview with local radio, National Civil Police director David Boteo did not rule out that gang members could attack civilians and advised Guatemalans to stay at home.
Guatemala’s education minister canceled school classes across the country on Monday, while Guatemala City officials canceled entertainment and cultural events scheduled for Sunday.
Minister of Education Anabella Giracca said: “In response to the advice of security experts, I have decided to suspend classes nationwide tomorrow. The most important thing right now is the safety of students and teachers.” he said.
With the release of the hostages held in the prison, 37 hostages remained in the other two prisons.
Guatemala’s Congress designated Barrio 18 a terrorist group in October 2025, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration classified the gang as a foreign terrorist organization.
The group’s leader, El Lobo, is currently serving a sentence of nearly 2,000 years behind bars.
He is married to the niece of former First Lady Sandra Torres, who finished second in Guatemala’s three presidential elections, most recently in 2023 behind current president Arevalo.
