Guatemala City

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo on Sunday imposed a nationwide state of emergency for 30 days after a sharp escalation in violence linked to coordinated uprisings inside prisons and retaliatory attacks by criminal gangs.

The decision followed unrest at three correctional facilities, where inmates seized dozens of prison guards and staff members. The disturbances were sparked by tighter controls on privileges granted to gang leaders, including Aldo Duppie, a senior figure in the Barrio 18 gang.

Police and military units carried out joint operations to retake control of the prisons, successfully freeing all hostages, according to the government. However, soon after authorities regained control of the facilities, violence spilled onto the streets.

At least seven police personnel were killed and about ten others injured in what officials believe were revenge attacks carried out by gang members in and around the capital, Guatemala City.

Addressing the nation, President Arévalo said the attacks were aimed at spreading fear among security forces and civilians in an attempt to force the government to back down in its campaign against organised crime.

“These killings were meant to intimidate the state and the public so that we abandon the fight against gangs and their reign of terror. That will not happen,” Arévalo said, adding that the government would not give in to threats or violence.

The emergency decree allows authorities to broaden the role of security forces and temporarily restrict certain civil liberties as part of intensified efforts to contain gang activity, which has long posed a major challenge for the Central American country.

Alongside the emergency declaration, President Arévalo announced three days of national mourning to honour those killed in the violence. Defence Minister Henry Saenz said military personnel would remain deployed on the streets to support law enforcement agencies during ongoing security operations.

The unrest prompted heightened security measures across the country. Over the weekend, the US Embassy in Guatemala City lifted a temporary shelter-in-place advisory for its staff, while classes were suspended in some areas as authorities stepped up patrols and protective measures.

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The government has said the emergency measures are aimed at restoring order and preventing further attacks as security forces continue operations against criminal networks.