Guatemala gangs triggered a U.S. security alert after coordinated attacks on police forces escalated violence across the Central American nation. The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala warned Americans to exercise “increased caution” following armed assaults tied to major criminal organizations. The alert underscored ongoing instability in Guatemala City and surrounding areas.
According to the Embassy, “The U.S. Embassy has lifted the shelter-in-place order for their staff,” but cautioned that “the situation remains tense with coordinated, armed attacks on police in several zones of Guatemala City.” U.S. officials urged travelers to monitor local media, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and maintain a “low profile.” Americans were also advised to review personal security plans and limit unnecessary movement.
The warning followed a wave of violence after gangs seized control of three prisons in coordinated riots, according to the Associated Press. Prisoners took 43 guards hostage and killed 10 officers, prompting President Bernardo Arévalo to issue an emergency declaration. The declaration cited “coordinated actions by self-named maras or gangs against state security forces, including armed attacks against civilian authorities.”
Authorities linked the unrest to Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), both designated as terrorist organizations by Guatemala and the United States. In a statement to AP, the U.S. Embassy condemned the violence, stating, “These terrorists, as well as those who cooperate with them or are linked to them, have no place in our hemisphere.” The statement added, “The security of the Guatemalan people and the stability of our hemisphere must prevail,” and affirmed, “We reaffirm our support for Guatemala’s security forces to curb the violence.”
The State Department currently lists Guatemala at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel.”
