Guatemala City

Guatemala City is the capital of Guatemala and a major urban center grappling with significant challenges related to organized crime and gang violence. Recent news focuses on a surge in gang-related unrest, including coordinated attacks that resulted in the deaths of at least ten police officers. These attacks appear to be in retaliation for authorities quelling riots and ending hostage situations in three prisons across the country. In response to this escalating violence, President Bernardo Arévalo has declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency, granting police expanded powers to arrest suspected criminals without judicial orders. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle between the government and powerful criminal organizations, posing a significant test for the new administration's efforts to combat corruption and maintain public safety. Separately, a deadly bus accident on the Inter-American Highway between Guatemala City and San Marcos resulted in at least 15 fatalities, underscoring infrastructure and transportation challenges in the region.