Guatemala gang violence crackdown
Guatemala announced a 30-day nationwide state of siege on January 18, 2026, following coordinated gang attacks that killed at least 10 police officers, allowing for expanded state power including warrantless arrests. As of June 13, 2026, major gangs like Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18 are shifting from extortion to drug trafficking, which is expected to escalate violence and challenge the government's security strategy. During the state of emergency, which was lifted on February 16, 2026, 83 gang members were arrested, and homicides and extortion reports decreased. Guatemala has also agreed to allow U.S. forces to conduct joint military strikes targeting drug trafficking organizations and gangs within its territory, following a state of emergency declared in January 2026 due to gang violence.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
June 2026 — 4 developments
Guatemalan police reported in June 2026 that major gangs, including Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18, are shifting their focus from extortion to drug trafficking.
Guatemalan police reported in June 2026 that major gangs, including Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18, are shifting their focus from extortion to drug trafficking. This strategic change is expected to escalate violence and challenge the government's security strategy following a recent state of emergency.
Guatemala declared a nationwide 30-day state of siege on January 18, 2026, following coordinated gang attacks that killed at least 10 police officers.
Guatemala declared a nationwide 30-day state of siege on January 18, 2026, following coordinated gang attacks that killed at least 10 police officers. This measure allowed for expanded state power, including warrantless arrests and restrictions on civil liberties. On February 17, 2026, the country transitioned to a 30-day 'state of prevention' to continue efforts against gang activity, following the official end of the state of siege on February 16, 2026.
Guatemala lifted its month-long state of emergency on February 16, 2026, following a significant reduction in homicides and extortion.
Guatemala lifted its month-long state of emergency on February 16, 2026, following a significant reduction in homicides and extortion. The following day, "Plan Sentinel" was launched, deploying heavily armed troops in the capital to combat street gangs.
Guatemala has agreed to allow U.
Guatemala has agreed to allow U.S. forces to conduct joint military strikes targeting drug trafficking organizations and gangs within its territory. This agreement is part of an expansion of U.S. counternarcotics operations. The move follows a state of emergency declared in January 2026 due to gang violence.
May 2026 — 1 developments
Two women were killed in an armed attack targeting a former deputy police director in Guatemala on May 31, 2026.
Two women were killed in an armed attack targeting a former deputy police director in Guatemala on May 31, 2026. This incident occurred after the state of emergency, declared in January 2026 due to prison riots and gang violence, concluded in February 2026. There has also been a reported rise in attacks against traffic police officers.
February 2026 — 1 developments
Guatemala has lifted its month-long state of emergency, implemented after gang members killed 10 police officers.
Guatemala has lifted its month-long state of emergency, implemented after gang members killed 10 police officers. President Bernardo Arévalo stated that homicides and extortion reports decreased during the period. Less restrictive measures are set to take effect, though details are pending. During the state of emergency, 83 gang members were arrested.
January 2026 — 30 developments
Armed patrols have entered El Gallito, a neighborhood long controlled by gangs, as part of the state of siege, indicating direct action in specific gang strongholds.
Armed patrols have entered El Gallito, a neighborhood long controlled by gangs, as part of the state of siege, indicating direct action in specific gang strongholds.
After eight days of the state of siege, the Ministry of Interior, with army support, has conducted 2…
After eight days of the state of siege, the Ministry of Interior, with army support, has conducted 211 raids and arrested 1,115 people, including 44 gang members (39 from Barrio 18). This updates previous figures of 950 arrests.
The criminal offensive, which included the taking of three prisons and the killing of ten police off…
The criminal offensive, which included the taking of three prisons and the killing of ten police officers, was ordered from prison by Barrio 18 gang leader Aldo Dupie, known as 'El Lobo'.
Police dismantled a sophisticated network of hidden surveillance cameras operated by the Barrio 18 gang in Zone 18 of Guatemala City.
Police dismantled a sophisticated network of hidden surveillance cameras operated by the Barrio 18 gang in Zone 18 of Guatemala City. These cameras allowed the gang to monitor movements of security forces and rival groups.
The government was forced to suspend classes and intensified the conflict by ordering the transfer of gang leaders to a high-security prison.
The government was forced to suspend classes and intensified the conflict by ordering the transfer of gang leaders to a high-security prison. Guatemala has now completed one week under the state of siege.
Following the state of siege, 950 people have been arrested, including 41 gang members and 70 alleged extortionists.
Following the state of siege, 950 people have been arrested, including 41 gang members and 70 alleged extortionists. President Arévalo decreed a 30-day nationwide state of siege, which followed authorities regaining control of three prison centers.
Authorities captured a suspected Barrio 18 gang member in El Progreso and identified a neighborhood north of the capital as the first intervention area.
Authorities captured a suspected Barrio 18 gang member in El Progreso and identified a neighborhood north of the capital as the first intervention area. The escalating violence has exposed security fragilities and suggests a presumed plot against the government, leading to public indignation, fear, and demands for justice.
During the first three days of the state of emergency, authorities seized 23 firearms, 205 motorcycles, and 73 vehicles.
During the first three days of the state of emergency, authorities seized 23 firearms, 205 motorcycles, and 73 vehicles. This information was detailed by Minister of Interior Marco Antonio Villeda.
The coordinated gang attacks that killed police officers are believed to be retaliation for security…
The coordinated gang attacks that killed police officers are believed to be retaliation for security forces regaining control of a prison holding specific gang leader Aldo “El Lobo” Duppie.
Guatemala's National Civil Police and soldiers have begun actively patrolling Zone 18, a gang-domina…
Guatemala's National Civil Police and soldiers have begun actively patrolling Zone 18, a gang-dominated neighborhood in the capital, and conducting identification checks as part of the 30-day state of emergency operations. These actions specifically target the Barrio 18 gang.
Guatemalan security forces have detained 293 people, including 23 gang members from Barrio 18 and Ma…
Guatemalan security forces have detained 293 people, including 23 gang members from Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha, and seized 37 weapons within the first 48 hours of the state of emergency. Under new powers, police can detain individuals on suspicion of gang activity without judicial approval.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo declared a 30-day state of siege following coordinated gang attacks that killed at least nine police officers.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo declared a 30-day state of siege following coordinated gang attacks that killed at least nine police officers. The violence began with prison riots where inmates took 46 guards hostage, and retaliatory attacks on police in Guatemala City occurred after authorities regained control of a prison holding gang leader Aldo "El Lobo" Duppie.
President Bernardo Arévalo blamed 'political-criminal mafias' for attempting to destabilize his government amidst the ongoing violence.
President Bernardo Arévalo blamed 'political-criminal mafias' for attempting to destabilize his government amidst the ongoing violence. Separately, during judicial hearings, gang members referred to the killed police officers as 'pigs'.
The declared 30-day state of siege in Guatemala has led to official travel advice recommending a high degree of caution due to violent crime.
The declared 30-day state of siege in Guatemala has led to official travel advice recommending a high degree of caution due to violent crime. This measure also imposes restrictions on movement and public gatherings to maintain public order.
The National Civil Police announced the capture of 19 alleged gang members, referred to as 'terrorists', following the recent wave of violence.
The National Civil Police announced the capture of 19 alleged gang members, referred to as 'terrorists', following the recent wave of violence.
The death toll of police officers killed in the gang attacks has increased to ten, up from the previously reported nine.
The death toll of police officers killed in the gang attacks has increased to ten, up from the previously reported nine.
Guatemala's Congress officially approved President Bernardo Arévalo's emergency declaration, which had been enacted following the gang attacks.
Guatemala's Congress officially approved President Bernardo Arévalo's emergency declaration, which had been enacted following the gang attacks.
President Bernardo Arévalo pledged to pursue those responsible for the gang attacks and honored police officers killed in the incidents on January 19, 2026.
President Bernardo Arévalo pledged to pursue those responsible for the gang attacks and honored police officers killed in the incidents on January 19, 2026.
Gang members attacked National Civil Police agents again in Guatemala City on January 19, abandoning a vehicle with assault rifles after a pursuit.
Gang members attacked National Civil Police agents again in Guatemala City on January 19, abandoning a vehicle with assault rifles after a pursuit.
Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda reported that one alleged gang member was killed during the violence, in addition to the police casualties.
Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda reported that one alleged gang member was killed during the violence, in addition to the police casualties.
President Arévalo announced three days of national mourning to honor the fallen officers, and schools across the country were shut down.
President Arévalo announced three days of national mourning to honor the fallen officers, and schools across the country were shut down.
The death toll of police officers killed in the gang attacks rose to nine, with several others critically wounded or having suffered amputations.
The death toll of police officers killed in the gang attacks rose to nine, with several others critically wounded or having suffered amputations. The government gazette officially published the state of emergency declaration.
Guatemalan gangs killed eight police officers on January 18, 2026, in retaliation for the government's refusal to transfer gang leaders to a lower-security prison.
Guatemalan gangs killed eight police officers on January 18, 2026, in retaliation for the government's refusal to transfer gang leaders to a lower-security prison. In response, President Bernardo Arevalo declared a 30-day state of emergency on January 18, 2026, which restricts civil liberties. The violence began after gang-affiliated inmates took 46 people hostage in three prisons.
Gang-related prison riots and subsequent violence were triggered by the transfer of a Barrio 18 gang leader.
Gang-related prison riots and subsequent violence were triggered by the transfer of a Barrio 18 gang leader.
The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala issued a security alert on January 18, 2026, advising increased cautio…
The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala issued a security alert on January 18, 2026, advising increased caution for U.S. citizens due to coordinated armed attacks on police in Guatemala City.
On January 18, at least four National Civil Police (PNC) agents were killed in simultaneous armed at…
On January 18, at least four National Civil Police (PNC) agents were killed in simultaneous armed attacks in Zone 12 of Guatemala City, providing specific details about the initial violence. Subsequently, on January 20, the Attorney General's Office (PGN) announced it has joined the criminal process regarding these attacks.
President Bernardo Arévalo declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency (also referred to as a state of siege in some reports) to combat the escalating gang violence.
President Bernardo Arévalo declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency (also referred to as a state of siege in some reports) to combat the escalating gang violence. This decree allows for the suspension of certain constitutional rights, including freedom of assembly and the ability to arrest and interrogate individuals without a court order.
Following the recapture of the prisons, suspected gang members launched retaliatory attacks on polic…
Following the recapture of the prisons, suspected gang members launched retaliatory attacks on police officers in and around Guatemala City, initially killing at least seven officers and wounding ten others.
Security forces, supported by the army, successfully retook control of all three prisons, freeing all hostages without casualties during the operations.
Security forces, supported by the army, successfully retook control of all three prisons, freeing all hostages without casualties during the operations.
Inmates, affiliated with gangs, initiated coordinated riots across three maximum-security prisons in Guatemala, taking 43 to 46 guards and staff members hostage.
Inmates, affiliated with gangs, initiated coordinated riots across three maximum-security prisons in Guatemala, taking 43 to 46 guards and staff members hostage. The disturbances were reportedly sparked by tighter controls on privileges for gang leaders.