Guatemala: Gunmen attack hospital in Guatemala City August 16

Event

Police officials said that a number of suspected gang members attacked the Roosevelt Hospital in Guatemala City on Wednesday, August 16. According to media reports, at least six people were killed and another seven wounded in the shooting. The National Civil Police (PNC) said that the gunmen attacked officers who were transferring a prisoner to the hospital for medical care, killing at least one of the guards. After the assault, PNC officers detained five suspected attackers and recovered two rifles used in the shooting. Further related security operations are possible in the coming days.

Context

Media sources said that the prisoner is a member of the MS-13 gang.

El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras make up the "Northern Triangle" in Central America. According to the United Nations, this region is among the most dangerous in the world, due in large part to the presence of criminal organizations and drug cartels that are responsible for high homicide rates.

Advice

Individuals in Guatemala City are advised to avoid the area of the attack and to obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.