Guatemala police arrest seven MS-13 gang members for 17 murders

Guatemalan police have arrested seven core members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang in connection with at least 17 murders committed between 2025 and 2026. Authorities stated the killings are linked to violent territorial disputes between rival gangs, specifically MS-13 and Barrio 18, as they compete for control over drug trafficking and extortion activities.

The suspects are accused of participating in various homicides, including an incident in October 2025 where eight bodies were discovered in plastic bags under a bridge on the eastern side of the capital. This discovery occurred on the same day the new Interior Minister, Marco Antonio, assumed office.

Guatemala continues to face significant security challenges, with an official homicide rate of 17.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, more than double the global average. The country has also experienced political instability following the escape of 20 Barrio 18 members, which led to the removal of the previous Interior Minister, Francisco Jimenez.