20 Members of US-Blacklisted Gang Escape Guatemala Prison

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Twenty inmates linked to a gang classified as a “foreign terrorist organisation” by the United States have escaped from a Guatemalan prison, officials confirmed on Sunday.

Details:

• The escape occurred at a high-security detention center near Guatemala City.
• Authorities say the fugitives belong to the notorious Barrio 18 gang, known for violent operations across Central America.
• A prison chief confirmed the breakout, citing coordinated attacks and internal security breaches.

Why It Matters:

• The US has designated Barrio 18 as a transnational criminal organization due to its role in extortion, trafficking, and murder.
• The escape raises serious concerns about prison security and gang influence within Guatemala’s correctional system.

Next Steps:

• A nationwide manhunt is underway.
• The US Embassy is reportedly monitoring the situation closely, with possible international cooperation on recapture efforts.

Citations:

1. AFP – www.afp.com
2. Al Jazeera – www.aljazeera.com
3. BBC World – www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america

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