Background on the Situation
In Guatemala, gangs Barrio 18 and their rivals Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) have been labeled as “terrorists” by both the United States and Guatemala. These gangs are accused of crimes such as murder, extortion, and drug trafficking within the country.
Hostage Situation and Rescue
Starting on Saturday, the gang members held 45 guards and a psychiatrist hostage across three prisons. Among these, one prison – Fraijanes II – still holds 28 hostages, while another, Preventivo, has nine. The uprising was a protest against the transfer of gang leaders to a maximum-security prison.
With support from the military, Guatemalan police regained control of the maximum-security Renovación I prison in Escuintla, located about 75 kilometers south of Guatemala City. They successfully rescued the hostages after using tear gas and entering with armored vehicles at dawn.
The police reported on their X account, “We have regained control in the Renovación I prison and have freed the guards who were taken hostage.” They also mentioned neutralizing “Lobo,” a top leader of the terrorist mara 18.
A video accompanying their message shows agents leading a bloodstained, handcuffed individual and forcing them to kneel.
Ongoing Hostage Situation
Despite the rescue efforts, 28 hostages remain in Fraijanes II and nine in Preventivo. The gangs have been staging various uprisings since mid-2025, demanding the return of their leaders to prisons with fewer restrictive measures.
However, Guatemala’s Minister of the Interior, Marco Antonio Villeda, stated on Saturday that the government would not restore “privileges” to prisoners or transfer them.
“We cannot allow inmates to do whatever they please in correctional facilities,” Villeda emphasized.
During last year’s riots, one guard died from gunshot wounds. In October, authorities reported that 20 Barrio 18 leaders escaped from a prison, leading to the removal of the security department’s top brass. Only six have been recaptured, while another was killed.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the gangs involved? Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), both labeled as “terrorists” by the US and Guatemala.
- What were the gangs protesting? The transfer of their leaders to a maximum-security prison.
- How many hostages were initially taken? 45 guards and a psychiatrist across three prisons.
- How many hostages remain? 28 in Fraijanes II and nine in Preventivo.
- What was the government’s stance on the prisoners’ demands? The government refused to restore privileges or transfer prisoners.
