31 Killed in Rioting at Seven Jails in Guatemala

Gang members used cell phones and messages via visitors to launch nearly simultaneous riots at seven Guatemalan prisons, leaving 31 inmates dead and demonstrating the strength of Central America's gangs.

Monday's violence began with two grenade explosions at a makeshift prison, followed by coordinated attacks by Mara Salvatrucha gang members against the rival MS-18 gang at other prisons, the interior minister, Carlos Vielmann, and the governor of the Escuintla region, Luis Muñoz, said.

Mr Vielmann said the attacks showed the power of the gangs. "The gangs maintain constant communication. They have a web page and not only synchronise in Guatemala, they synchronise with El Salvador, Honduras and the United States."

He said mobile phones and messages passed by visitors helped to maintain contact among gang members. Visitors also slipped guns to inmates. The human rights prosecutor, Sergio Morales, said there was evidence that some police had brought guns to inmates at El Hoyón.