US-designated foreign terrorist organization, Barrio 18, has escaped from a prison in Guatemala, with 20 members evading security controls at the Fraijanes II facility. The escape was condemned by the US embassy, which called on the Guatemalan government to act immediately and vigorously to recapture the fugitives. This is not the first time a group of Barrio 18 gang members has escaped from prison in Guatemala – around 12,000 gang members are currently active in the country, contributing to its high homicide rate, which has more than doubled compared to the world average.
The US designated Barrio 18 as a foreign terrorist organization last month, citing their reputation for violence and extortion. The gangs, including Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), have been responsible for the deaths of over 200,000 people in El Salvador over three decades. Guatemala’s prison system is under scrutiny after this escape, with an investigation into possible corruption underway.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/members-barrio-18-us-foreign-terrorist-escape-prison-guatemala