Police in Guatemala crack down on gangs

Violence in Guatemala escalated on Sunday morning after security forces regained control of a prison that had been taken over by inmates and arrested one of the top gang leaders.

According to the civil police, authorities took control of the Renovación 1 prison near the city of Escuintla, where prisoners were holding hostages and demanding benefits for their leader.

The police also arrested Aldo Duppie, nicknamed El Lobo, considered to be the leader of the Barrio 18 gang. Shortly after his arrest, there were several coordinated attacks on police officers in and around the capital.

Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda said that at least seven police officers were killed in the attacks, another ten were injured, and one gang member was killed.

The government announced that it would not negotiate with the gangs and would launch operations with the army to secure the cities. Residents were advised to stay at home, and schools were closed across the country on Monday. Despite the release of some of the hostages, 37 people remain detained in two other prisons.

(reuters, est)