Guatemalan Prison Guards Freed After Gang Riots | JQJO

Nine Guatemalan prison guards, held hostage since Thursday by Mara Salvatrucha gang members rioting in Guatemala City prisons, were freed Saturday. The riots, involving Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs, began Tuesday, demanding the return of transferred leaders. One prison official died during the unrest. Prior to this, 11 other guards were also freed after being held hostage. The gangs' violent rivalry and control over territories fuels ongoing conflict in Guatemala.