What began on Saturday as a series of coordinated riots by the Barrio 18 gang in three prisons, escalated into a bloody reprisal that has already claimed the lives of at least seven agents of the National Civil Police (PNC) and left a dozen injured in various simultaneous attacks. The conflict broke out when inmates took 46 people hostage (mostly guards) in the Renovación I (Escuintla), Fraijanes II, and the Preventive Center in Zone 18 prisons. The gang members demand the transfer of their leaders—among them Aldo López Ochoa, alias 'Lodo'—and the restoration of privileges such as restaurant food and air conditioning. State of the Prisons and Hostages The Minister of the Interior, Marco Antonio Villeda, reported that security forces executed an operation at dawn to retake the maximum-security Renovación I prison. Renovación I (Escuintla): Control was regained with armored vehicles and tear gas. The president convened an emergency cabinet to make operational decisions. External Attacks and Suspension of Classes In response to the government's firm stance, members of Barrio 18 and the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) launched an armed offensive in the streets of the capital and main routes. Attacks on the PNC: Thirteen separate attacks left 7 police officers dead. 9 hostages were successfully released. Fraijanes II and Zone 18: Operations are ongoing. It is estimated that 37 people are still being held by the rioters. Official Response: The government of Bernardo Arévalo was firm: 'We will not negotiate with terrorists'. Buenos Aires, January 18 (NA)-- A serious security crisis has Guatemala on edge this Sunday. The burning of vehicles on the Pacific route was reported to obstruct troop movements. Education: The Ministry of Education (Mineduc) announced the suspension of classes nationwide for this Monday, January 19, at all levels (public and private), as a preventive measure to protect students and teachers amidst the instability. Context of the Crisis Guatemalan intelligence attributes this reaction to recent searches and the dismantling of extortion 'call centers' operating from the cells. The current situation is the most violent test facing the Arévalo administration since the escape of 20 gang leaders last October, which has led the Army to patrol strategic points to prevent the 'sedition' from fully spilling onto the streets.
