Guatemala denies participating in planned US strikes against suspected drug traffickers

Guatemala Denies US Military Operations Amid Security Cooperation Request

The Guatemalan government has clarified its stance on the United States’ request for military operations against drug traffickers in the country, stating that it had requested security cooperation but did not approve any attacks.

According to a statement released by the government of President Bernardo Arevalo, there is no agreement authorizing foreign military operations within national territory. The denial comes after reports suggested that Arevalo had agreed to US military action in Guatemala.

A letter from Guatemalan Defense Minister Henry Saenz to his US counterpart Pete Hegseth, dated May 28, indicates that the country desires to lead active military operations against designated terrorist organizations with US assistance. However, the government emphasized that this request was not an invitation for US attacks within the country.

The Guatemalan government stressed that its cooperation with the US falls within existing bilateral agreements and adheres to constitutional provisions regarding security cooperation. The statement also noted that the country has been struggling with gang violence related to the drug trade, declaring a state of emergency in January after suspected gang members killed at least 10 police officers.

The request for military operations comes amid concerns about US involvement in Latin America, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration. The US has carried out air strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of at least 194 people.

Source: Al Jazeera