GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala (AP) – Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo declared a state of emergency in two municipalities in western Guatemala following a violent attack by armed men. This declaration comes just a day after a military post and a police station were assaulted, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals. Reports indicate that the attackers also cut off roads and hijacked buses during the incident.
Arévalo attributed the violence to criminal gangs that are attempting to exert control over the region by intimidating security forces. To address this escalating threat, he stated that his government would be reinforcing security measures in the affected areas. The state of emergency, which will last for 15 days, specifically affects the municipalities of Nahuala and Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan, located in the department of Solola.
During the announcement, Arévalo highlighted the critical state of affairs for both the department of Solola and the wider security situation in the country. He was accompanied by Interior Minister Marco Villeda and Acting Defense Minister José Giovanni Martínez Milán. Arévalo showcased visual evidence from the violent events that transpired, including videos and photographs depicting armed men, some clad in camouflage or military uniforms, engaging in combative actions just meters away from busy thoroughfares.
The criminal groups responsible for these violent acts are known to be linked to extortion and drug trafficking operations, posing significant threats to local communities. "The communities are not alone," Arévalo reassured the public, emphasizing government support in the face of violence.
Interior Minister Marco Villeda confirmed the death toll at five, while earlier reports from National Civil Police Director David Botero indicated the number of fatalities at six, which included a soldier. These violent incidents reportedly began last Thursday when armed men initially attacked the military post, injuring four individuals at that time.
Notably, the two municipalities have a long history of disputes over water resources and local roads, both of which are claimed by the communities involved. These longstanding issues have resulted in numerous fatalities over the years. However, Arévalo clarified that the recent violence was not a conflict between the communities themselves but a targeted assault on the military post.
The state of emergency invoked by the government brings about significant restrictions on civil liberties. It limits rights related to open-air meetings, public demonstrations, and gatherings, allowing law enforcement to forcibly dissolve any unauthorized groups or violent protests. Furthermore, it restricts the right to carry weapons and affects the right to protest, especially in ways that disrupt free movement or public services.
As the situation continues to develop, security forces and government officials are prioritizing the restoration of safety and order in the affected areas of Nahuala and Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan. The citizens in these regions are urged to remain vigilant as authorities take decisive measures to combat escalating gang violence.
