STORY: ::Rioting inmates take over three Guatemalan prisons, holding dozens hostage
::Escuintla, Guatemala
::January 17, 2026
::Authorities say the riots were coordinated across the three facilities by a gang, whose leader wants greater privileges
::Guatemala City, Guatemala
::January 17, 2026
Interior Ministry Marco Antonio Villeda said the riots were coordinated across the three facilities, allegedly organized by the Barrio 18 gang whose leader sought transfer to another center for better conditions and special treatment.
At the maximum security Renovacion 1 prison in Escuintla, masked inmates occupied watchtowers while police and soldiers formed a perimeter outside with ambulances and fire trucks on standby, Police Chief Jaime Martinez said. He added that prisoners set mattresses ablaze to protest inspections by the penitentiary system.
The hostages included mostly security guards plus one psychologist, with no deaths or injuries reported as of Saturday afternoon, according to Villeda, who vowed not to negotiate with what he called terrorist groups.
While hostage situations involving prison guards have occurred previously in Guatemala, the current number of hostages is notably higher than past incidents, according to authorities.
