9 Guatemalan police officers dead after gang attacks

The death toll from suspected gangsters’ attacks on Guatemalan police rose to nine Monday, as Guatemalans awoke to heavier security and curtailed rights under a state of siege declared by President Bernardo Arévalo.

The violence started Saturday when inmates took control of three prisons in apparently coordinated riots, taking hostage 43 guards. The gangs were demanding privileges for their members and leaders, according to authorities.

Shortly after police liberated one prison Sunday morning, suspected gang members attacked police across the capital.

On Monday, National Civil Police Director David Custodio Boteo said that a ninth police officer had died early Monday from his injuries.

Read more: MSN