The killings occurred a day after gang member inmates took 46 people hostage in three prisons across the country, officials said.

The alert comes as gangs have attacked Guatemalan police after seizing control of three prisons in coordinated riots, The Associated Press (AP) reported. Over 2.9 million international visitors traveled to Guatemala between January and November 2025, according to the Guatemalan Tourism Institute.

President Bernardo Arevalo issues the order after at least seven police officers killed in riots and hostage-taking.

Guatemala President Bernardo Arévalo declared a state of emergency following a surge of gang-related violence that included prison riots and the killing of several police officers over