Seven officers were killed and dozens of guards were taken hostage during coordinated uprisings at three Guatemalan detention centers, authorities said, followed by a wave of attacks targeting police on the streets.
On Sunday, hundreds of riot police moved into the maximum-security Renovación prison in Escuintla to regain control and free guards being held by inmates.
Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda said nine guards were taken hostage at Renovación, while nearly four dozen other guards were captured at two additional prisons in what officials described as an organized insurrection.
The operation to secure Renovación and extract the hostages lasted about 15 minutes, according to Villeda. Guards were later seen leaving the facility under escort, and officials said no immediate injuries or deaths were reported during the rescue.
Shortly after security forces restored control inside the prison, armed attackers began striking police officers in Guatemala City, the capital, Villeda said. Three people were killed and at least 10 others wounded during the attacks.
Authorities said multiple suspects were detained as security forces responded to the violence. One alleged gang member was killed during a retaliatory ambush outside the prison.
Officials said the unrest at Renovación was triggered by a recent decision to revoke privileges from certain inmates described as gang leaders.
In a statement, the interior ministry said it would not negotiate with organized crime groups and would not allow them to dictate terms. The ministry added that the takeover began Saturday evening as part of a coordinated uprising linked to the revoked privileges.
Despite being imprisoned, gang leaders can still wield significant influence, particularly when housed alongside their own networks. Officials have not publicly confirmed which groups were responsible for the uprisings.
In response, authorities reinforced security at multiple prisons, while the military began joint patrols with police.
The Ministry of Education also announced it would suspend classes nationwide through Monday, citing safety concerns for students and teachers.
