Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has declared a 30-day state of emergency nationwide following a surge in gang violence that left eight police officers dead and saw three prisons fall under gang control over the weekend.
“I have decided to declare a state of emergency for 30 days, starting today,” Arévalo said in a nationwide address.
The measures include suspension of certain constitutional provisions and aim to combat the criminal organizations Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha, designated as terrorist groups by both Guatemala and the United States. These gangs are implicated in contract killings, extortion, and drug trafficking.
Authorities have warned of a major crackdown to restore order, while the international community is monitoring the situation with concern.
