Guatemala gang violence crackdown
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo ended a nationwide state of siege on February 18, 2026, concluding a monthlong crackdown initiated by coordinated gang attacks on police that killed at least nine officers. As of July 28, 2026, joint military and police operations against organized crime and gangs are set to continue, following a transition to a 'state of prevention' on February 17, 2026, which allows authorities to limit public gatherings. The crackdown, which began with a state of emergency on January 18, 2026, resulted in 83 arrests and a reported decrease in homicides and extortion. However, police reported in June 2026 that major gangs like Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18 are shifting to drug trafficking, potentially escalating violence, and Guatemala has agreed to allow U.S. forces to conduct joint military strikes against drug trafficking organizations.
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July 2026 — 3 developments
Guatemala ends state of siege after monthlong crackdown on gang violence
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo ended the nationwide state of siege on February 18, 2026, concluding a monthlong crackdown initiated by coordinated gang attacks on police. Joint military and police operations against organized crime and gangs are set to continue. The crackdown followed the deaths of at least nine police officers and ten wounded.
Guatemala replaces state of emergency with 'state of prevention' to curb gang violence
Guatemala has ended its month-long state of emergency and replaced it with a 'state of prevention' on February 17, 2026. This new measure allows authorities to limit or dissolve public gatherings to continue efforts to curb gang activity. The state of emergency, declared on January 18, 2026, resulted in 83 arrests and a decrease in crime.
Guatemala gang crackdown causes violence to spread to other regions
Guatemala's intensified gang crackdown is reportedly causing violence to spread to other regions as criminal structures relocate. This development follows a month-long state of siege, which was lifted in February 2026 after leading to the arrest of 83 gang members and a reported decrease in homicides and extortion.
June 2026 — 4 developments
Guatemalan gangs shifting focus from extortion to drug trafficking, police report
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 declares 30-day state of siege amid gang violence and police killings
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 Lifts State of Emergency, Launches 'Plan Sentinel' Against Gangs
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 Allows U.S. Joint Military Strikes Against Gangs
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
Guatemala: Two women killed in attack targeting former deputy police director
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 lifts state of emergency after decrease in homicides and extortion
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 enter El Gallito, a gang-controlled neighborhood, under state of siege
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.
Ministry of Interior arrests 1,115 people, including 44 gang members, in 211 raids
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.
Barrio 18 gang leader Aldo Dupie ordered offensive from prison, taking three prisons and killing ten police officers
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 dismantle Barrio 18 gang's surveillance camera network in 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.
Guatemala government suspends classes, transfers gang leaders amid state of siege
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.
President Arévalo decrees 30-day state of siege after prison control regained
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 capture suspected Barrio 18 gang member in El Progreso amid escalating violence
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.
Minister Villeda reports 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.
Gang Attacks Kill Police Officers After Security Forces Regain Prison Control
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 Police and Soldiers Patrol Gang-Dominated Zone 18, Target Barrio 18 Gang
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 detain 293, including 23 gang members, and seize 37 weapons
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 Arévalo Declares State of Siege After Gang Attacks Kill Nine Police
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 Arévalo blames 'political-criminal mafias' for destabilizing government
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'.
Guatemala declares 30-day state of siege, restricts movement 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.
National Civil Police capture 19 alleged gang members after 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.
Police officer death toll in gang attacks rises to ten
The death toll of police officers killed in the gang attacks has increased to ten, up from the previously reported nine.
Guatemala's Congress approves President Arévalo's emergency declaration
Guatemala's Congress officially approved President Bernardo Arévalo's emergency declaration, which had been enacted following the gang attacks.
President Arévalo pledges to pursue gang attackers, honors fallen police officers
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 Attack National Civil Police in Guatemala City, Abandon Assault Rifles
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 Villeda reports alleged gang member killed during violence
Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda reported that one alleged gang member was killed during the violence, in addition to the police casualties.
President Arévalo declares three days of national mourning for fallen officers
President Arévalo announced three days of national mourning to honor the fallen officers, and schools across the country were shut down.
Government declares state of emergency as police death toll in gang attacks rises to nine
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 President Arevalo declares state of emergency after gangs kill eight police officers
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.
Barrio 18 gang leader transfer triggers prison riots and violence
Gang-related prison riots and subsequent violence were triggered by the transfer of a Barrio 18 gang leader.
U.S. Embassy in Guatemala issues security alert due to armed attacks on police
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.
Guatemala Attorney General's Office joins criminal process for attacks on PNC agents
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 Arévalo declares 30-day nationwide state of emergency to combat 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.
Suspected gang members kill seven police officers in Guatemala City retaliatory attacks
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 retake three prisons, free all hostages without casualties
Security forces, supported by the army, successfully retook control of all three prisons, freeing all hostages without casualties during the operations.
Guatemalan Gang Inmates Riot, Take Dozens of Prison Staff 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.