Death toll rises to 10 in gangsters’ attacks on Guatemalan police as state of emergency is declared

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 6 min read 100% complete by By SONIA PÉREZ D.January 20, 2026 at 06:53 AM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

In Guatemala, the death toll has risen to 10 police officers killed in suspected gang attacks. The violence erupted after security forces moved to regain control of a maximum-security prison following inmate riots on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Gangs also launched attacks against police in the capital, Guatemala City, while holding hostages at other facilities. President Bernardo Arévalo has declared a state of emergency, promising to pursue those responsible. The government honored the fallen officers on Monday, January 19, 2026, as increased security measures and curtailed rights are implemented.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Villanueva 30% Congress 40% Interior Ministry ×250% Guatemala City ×470% Gangsters 80% Guatemalan police ×280% Bernardo Arévalo ×390% Guatemala ×6100%

Keywords

gang attacks 90% guatemalan police 80% state of emergency 80% prison riots 70% security forces 60% hostages 50% bernardo arévalo 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.70

Source Transparency

Source

Associated Press (AP)

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Guatemala

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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gang attacks guatemalan police state of emergency prison riots security forces hostages bernardo arévalo

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