Riots broke out simultaneously in three prisons in Guatemala.

Axar.az reports, citing the local portal Infobae.

According to the information, inmates who staged uprisings at the “Fraijanes 2” and “Renovacion 1” prisons, as well as in Sector 11 of the Zone 18 Preventive Detention Center, took control of parts of the prison facilities and held 46 people hostage, including 45 prison staff and one psychologist.

The government has mobilized police, military personnel, and prison staff to restore order in the prisons under the rioters’ control and prevent escapes.

Guatemalan authorities have blamed the “Barrio 18” gang, recognized by the U.S. as an international terrorist organization. The Ministry of Interior stated that it will not negotiate with the rioters.