Death toll from Guatemala gang attacks rises to nine police officers

Riot police enter Zone 18 prison during gang violence following prison riots that left several police officers dead, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, January 18, 2026. REUTERS/Josue Decavele

GUATEMALA CITY, Jan 19 (Reuters) - ‌The death toll from coordinated gang attacks in Guatemala has risen ‌to nine police officers, an official confirmed on Monday, following ‌a weekend of violence that began with prison riots.

The conflict started on Saturday when inmates from the Barrio 18 gang took 46 guards hostage at three prisons, demanding greater ‍privileges.