Guatemala Declares State of Siege After Severe Escalation of Violence
The Guatemalan president, Bernardo Arévalo, announced an exceptional measure: a state of siege that will be in effect throughout the country for one month, starting on January 18, 2026. This decision arises as a direct response to a series of extreme violent acts perpetrated by organized criminal groups. 🚨
The Measure Suspends Constitutional Guarantees
By declaring the state of siege, the government acquires broader powers to confront the gangs. This implies temporarily suspending certain constitutional rights. The main objective is to strengthen public order throughout the territory and allow authorities to regain control of the penitentiary centers, where several of the attacks originated.
Key actions enabled by the decree:- Allows the executive to use special powers to combat criminal organizations.
- Aims to stop the wave of coordinated violence that has cost the lives of at least eight police officers.
- Facilitates operations to rescue hostages and regain control of the prisons.
The government argues that it needs these exceptional tools to protect the citizenry and confront the threat.
The Context of Criminal Violence
The escalation is directly linked to the activities of gangs such as Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). These groups operate in a synchronized manner inside and outside the penitentiary system. The simultaneous attacks against security forces reveal a level of organization that concerns the authorities. 🏢➡️🔫
Events that triggered the crisis:- Coordinated attacks in three different penitentiary centers, generating riots.
- Murder of several National Civil Police agents in various incidents.
- Taking of hostages and a show of force that challenges the state.
Implications for the Population
The measure has generated intense national debate about the balance between security and rights. While the government seeks to restore calm, citizens are urged to carry identification at all times, as bureaucratic procedures could become complicated during this exceptional period. The situation underscores the profound challenges Guatemala faces in combating organized crime.