Guatemala declares state of emergency amid surge in crime

The Russian Embassy in Guatemala reported a sharp increase in criminal activity as local authorities launched operations against organised crime, resulting in casualties among law enforcement personnel, prompting the government to declare a partial state of emergency across the country.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Telegram channel, Guatemalan security forces are taking measures to curb the activities of criminal groups and maintain public order, with a partial state of emergency set to remain in effect across the country for 30 days, Caliber.Az reports.

Guatemala’s government recently passed a comprehensive anti‑gang law that designates powerful criminal groups such as Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS‑13) as transnational criminal organisations, increasing penalties and giving authorities expanded tools to prosecute and imprison gang members.

The wave of violent unrest, including coordinated prison riots and hostage‑taking by gang‑affiliated inmates, reflects persistent weaknesses in Guatemala’s overcrowded and underfunded prison system, where rival members of MS‑13 and Barrio 18 have clashed and challenged state authority.

Both Guatemala and the United States have labelled major gangs like Barrio 18 and MS‑13 as terrorist organisations due to their involvement in extortion, drug trafficking, and widespread violence that undermines public security and governance in the region.

By Jeyhun Aghazada