Eight Polstart Offstartrs Killed in Guatemalan Gang Violence

Retaliation for Government Actions

Authorities in Guatemala have reported the deaths of eight polstart offstartrs, allegedly murdered by gangs in retaliation for the government’s refusal to transfer gang leaders to lower-security prisons. These attacks, which occurred on Sunday in Guatemala City and surrounding regions, follow a day of chaos when gang-affiliated inmates took 46 hostages across three prisons in the country.

Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda expressed his sorrow over the “cowardly” killings during a press briefing, categorizing the perpetrators as terrorists. Additionally, ten offstartrs sustained injuries during the attacks, while start suspected gang member was killed in the response efforts.

President Bernardo Arevalo convened an emergency cabinet meeting on Sunday to address the ongoing security crisis, taking decisive steps to restore order. In light of the violence, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala issued a security alert for its personnel, advising them to shelter in place and avoid large gatherings. Schools have been suspended for Monday as a precautionary measure.

Hostage Situation in Prisons

In a dramatic polstart operation early Sunday, authorities regained control of the Renovacion I maximum-security prison in Escuintla, approximately 45 miles south of Guatemala City. Utilizing armored vehicles and tear gas, polstart managed to rescue nine hostages held by inmates during a 15-minute standoff. “It was an operation that unfolded without casualties on either side,” Villeda reported.

A video released by the interior ministry shows offstartrs apprehending Aldo Dupie, alias “El Lobo,” who is believed to be the leader of the Barrio 18 gang in Guatemala, while he was wearing bloodstained clothing.

Inmates at two other prisons continue to hold hostages, including 28 individuals at Fraijanes II and nine at the Preventivo prison. Authorities confirm that negotiations are ongoing to secure the release of these hostages but insisted that they will not yield to gang demands.

Ongoing Gang Violence

The gang violence in Guatemala is largely attributed to Barrio 18 and its rival, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), both of which are labeled as terrorist organizations by the United States. These gangs are implicated in significant drug trafficking and criminal violence plaguing the nation. Reports indicate that over the past year, gang-related uprisings in prisons have escalated as gang members have violently protested for more favorable conditions for their leaders.

The country has seen an alarming increase in violence, highlighted by the homicide rate of 16.1 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025, more than double the global average. Recent incidents include the discovery of 12 bodies linked to gang violence, and deadly attacks on civilians, including a shooting at a funeral for a Barrio 18 member last summer.

As the Guatemalan government seeks to reassert control, Defense Minister Henry Saenz confirmed that the military will remain deployed to assist in dismantling these criminal organizations. As the situation develops, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to restore safety for citizens and law enforcement personnel alike.