Guatemala’s interior minister said gangs killed seven police officers in retaliation for the government’s refusal to move gang leaders to lower-security prisons.

The attacks followed prison uprisings in which gang inmates took 46 hostages at three facilities, one of which authorities regained control of on Sunday.

Officials said gang violence has intensified since mid-2025 as inmates demand fewer restrictions for their leaders.

Guatemala continues to struggle with powerful gangs such as Barrio 18 and MS-13, which are blamed for widespread extortion and violent crime, CBS News has reported.

The country’s high homicide rate and recent mass killings highlight the ongoing security crisis.