Guatemala declares state of emergency after eight police officers killed in prison gang violence

President announces 30-day order after inmates also took 46 people hostage at three prisons

Guatemala's president has declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency to combat criminal gangs after authorities accused them of killing eight police officers and holding hostages at three prisons.

The killings occurred in the capital, Guatemal City, and surrounding areas a day after gang-affiliated inmates took 46 people hostage in the three prisons across the country to demand incarcerated gang leaders be moved to lower-security facilities.