Guatemala Declares State of Siege Amid Prison Riots and Gang Violence

In Guatemala, coordinated inmate uprisings at three maximum-security prisons led to hostage situations involving dozens of guards. Security forces regained control of Renovacion prison in Escuintla, freeing nine hostages, while other prisons remained under inmate control. Following these events, gang-related violence targeted police in and around Guatemala City, resulting in seven officer deaths and one gang member killed. President Bernardo Arevalo declared a 30-day state of siege to strengthen security measures, with preventive actions including school closures and national mourning.