Group 1 - The Guatemalan Ministry of Education announced a nationwide school closure for one day on January 19 to ensure the safety of students and staff due to ongoing violence stemming from prison riots [1] - The violence originated from large-scale riots in three prisons on January 17, leading to the cancellation of scheduled cultural events in the capital, Guatemala City [2] - The Guatemalan National Police regained control of the "Rebirth One" prison and apprehended the leader of the "18th Street Gang," but armed attacks against police occurred in multiple locations following the restoration of order [2][3] Group 2 - At least seven police officers were killed and ten injured during the violent incidents, with the Interior Minister stating that the government will not negotiate with gang members [2] - The "18th Street Gang" orchestrated the riots to demand special treatment for imprisoned leaders and took at least 46 hostages, with 37 still held in other prisons [3] - The gang, which originated in Los Angeles, is involved in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and murder, and is primarily active in Central American countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras [3]
危地马拉监狱骚乱引发暴力事态
Xin Hua She·2026-01-18 22:43