Bangladesh, Jan. 21 -- Guatemala has entered a 30-day nationwide state of emergency following a dramatic escalation in violence linked to organized crime gangs, after coordinated prison riots and retaliatory attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 10 police officers. The emergency declaration underscores the depth of Guatemalas security crisis and the growing challenge posed by powerful criminal organizations that wield influence both inside and outside the countrys penitentiary system.

President Bernardo Arévalo announced the extraordinary measure on January 18, one day after authorities regained control of three maximum-security prisons where inmates had staged simultaneous riots, seized hostages, and openly challenged the stat...