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Hostages

Guatemala Prisons in Chaos as Gang Members Hold Hostages, Guards

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Riots in Guatemalan prisons broke out on Tuesday as members of the country's two largest gangs, Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha, demanded the return of 10 leaders transferred to another facility, where they were placed in solitary confinement. The situation escalated, and on Saturday, authorities freed nine prison guards who had been held hostage by members of Mara Salvatrucha. A prison official was fatally shot on Friday, and local media reported the shooting occurred at one of the prisons involved in the riots. This incident is the latest in a series of violent incidents involving the Mara Salvatrucha gang, which was designated as a terrorist organization by US President Donald Trump earlier this year.

Key Takeaways:

  • 9 prison guards were held hostage by members of Mara Salvatrucha, a designated terrorist organization by US President Donald Trump, in two Guatemalan prisons.
  • The situation began on Tuesday when members of the country's two largest gangs, Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha, rioted in prisons demanding the return of 10 leaders who were transferred to another facility.
  • José Portillo, Deputy Minister of Security, confirmed that the guards released on Saturday were held by members of Mara Salvatrucha.
  • A prison official died on Friday after being shot, and local media reported the shooting occurred at one of the prisons involved in the riots.
  • The incident highlights the instability and violence affecting Guatemalan prisons.
  • The US designation of Mara Salvatrucha as a terrorist organization raises concerns about the group's impact on regional safety.

Statistics:

  • 9 prison guards were held hostage for several days before being released.
  • 10 leaders of Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha were transferred to another facility in solitary confinement, prompting the riots.
  • 1 prison official was fatally shot on Friday.
  • 2.5 million people in the US and Central America identify as part of Latin American gangs, according to the US Department of Justice.

Sources:

  • AP (Saturday) - "Guatemala frees 9 guards held by rioting inmates"
  • The Associated Press - interview with José Portillo, Deputy Minister of Security (no date provided)
  • US Department of Justice (no date provided)

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