Guatemala: Army and Police with Armored Vehicles After Police Killings

In Guatemala, the army and police have deployed armored vehicles on the streets following the killings of 11 police officers. Authorities have implemented a state of siege and a "prevention status."

These actions aim to counter the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gangs, which are accused of prison riots and a wave of violence. The "state of siege," in effect since January 18, was renewed by President Bernardo Arévalo, allowing arrests without warrants.

Concurrently, a "prevention status" has been declared for two weeks, enabling joint operations by the armed forces and police in the capital and adjacent municipalities. The plan, named "Plan Centinela Metropolitano," has been launched in neighborhoods of the capital.

Defense Minister Henry Sáenz announced operations in areas where crime is rampant due to the gangs. According to Arévalo, the state of siege has prevented the escalation of violence and disrupted communication in prisons.

The killings of the eleven police officers were in retaliation for regaining control of prisons where inmates had rioted.