Guatemalan authorities have wrestled back control of three prisons after violent riots led by the feared Barrio 18 gang, whose boss “El Lobo” demanded air conditioning, a king-size bed and gourmet restaurant
13:57, 19 Jan 2026Updated 13:57, 19 Jan 2026
“El Lobo” demanded luxurious perks in exchange for ending the chaos(Image: Handout)
Guatemalan authorities have regained control of three prisons after violent riots orchestrated by a notorious gang which demanded exorbitant perks. The Barrio 18 gang’s leader “El Lobo” demanded luxury advantages including air conditioning and a king-size bed.
The government has since refused to negotiate with the gang, classified as a terrorist organisation. Moreover, it has confirmed that all hostages have now been freed.
Nevertheless, fears have continued to rise as Aldo Duppie Ochoa Mejia, also known as the Wolf (El Lobo) could potentially breakout. The Guatemalan Minister of Interior, Marco Antonio Villeda, confirmed that the riots in three prisons on Saturday (January 17) were coordinated by the Barrio 18 gang.
The Guatemalan Minister of Interior, Marco Antonio Villeda, confirmed that the riots in three prisons on Saturday (January 17) were coordinated by the Barrio 18 gang(Image: YouTube)
The riots were especially ignited by its leader, the Wolf. Villeda reportedly stated that the disturbances in the prisons were provoked by Barrio 18’s reaction to the withdrawal of privileges and increased control over visits and parcels.
The minister further asserted that the Government will not negotiate with the group, which is classified as a terrorist organisation. He also held the inmates responsible for the lives and safety of the prison guards who have been taken hostage, Prensa Libra reported.
Villeda confirmed that individuals claiming to be relatives of the prisoners formed a human barricade in order to prevent security forces from reaching the prisons. The official said during a press conference: “There is neither the will nor the intention to restore privileges or to transfer them to the prisons of their choosing.
The government refused to negotiate with the terror group(Image: Handout)
“Our resolve will be firm and our actions decisive.” The minister went on to outline the extraordinary demands made by the Wolf.
Among his requests were a transfer from Renovación 1 prison to another facility, the installation of air conditioning in his cell, permission to have a king-size bed, and the delivery of food from select restaurants.
Villeda also revealed that the National Civil Police, officers from the Prison System, and members of the Guatemalan Army have established security cordons around the perimeter of the three prisons to protect the civilian population and prevent escapes.
Additionally, he noted that “there is an orchestrated plan to attack the authorities” and to free the leader of Barrio 18. At present, the authorities have not reported any injuries or fatalities during the riots.
There have also not been actions taken by special forces teams. Furthermore, fires have been confirmed in the administrative areas of the penal centres.
45 guards and one psychologist were reported to be held hostage. All hostages have since been successfully freed after the Guatemalan government completed rescue operations on Sunday (January 18).
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