Guatemala denies participating in planned US military operations

Guatemala Denies US Military Operations Amid Security Cooperation Request

The Guatemalan government has issued a statement denying reports that it agreed to allow the United States to carry out strikes against drug traffickers in the country. The denial comes after a New York Times report cited two unidentified sources as saying that President Bernardo Arevalo had agreed to US military action.

According to the Guatemalan government, there is no agreement authorizing foreign military operations by any country within national territory. A note from Guatemala’s defense minister, Henry Saenz, dated May 28, confirms that the country desires to lead active military operations against designated terrorist organizations with US assistance. The note states that such operations would further bilateral interests in defeating these groups and advancing regional security.

The Guatemalan government emphasized that its request for assistance from Washington was not an invitation for US attacks in the country. The call for cooperation falls within existing bilateral agreements and adheres to the provisions of the Constitution and applicable laws regarding cooperation agreements on civil or military security.

Guatemala has been struggling with gang violence related to the drug trade, and President Arevalo declared a state of emergency in January after suspected gang members killed at least 10 police officers. The US has been carrying out air strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean since last year, resulting in at least 194 deaths.

The Guatemalan government’s statement on security cooperation with the US is part of a broader effort to address regional security concerns. The country has sought intelligence and security cooperation with Washington while maintaining its sovereignty.

Source: Al Jazeera