International
The Guatemala army launched the Territorial Control Task Force and borders in bordering areas with El Salvador and Honduras.
The Army of Guatemala deployed hundreds of soldiers on the border with El Salvador and Honduras to curb the incursion of organized crime bands. (Free press photo: screen capture)
Guatemala deployed hundreds of soldiers on the border with El Salvador and Honduras on Tuesday, February 25, to curb the incursion of organized crime bands, after an acquired commitment to the United States, the army reported.
The purpose is to maintain “the sovereignty and integrity of the national territory, strengthening territorial control and ensuring the routes for the fight against all forms of transnational organized crime,” said the Army spokeswoman Ann Marie Argueta.
The operation “Task Force, Territorial Control and Borders” was announced by President Guatemalteco, Bernardo Arévalo, on February 5 during a visit by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
The president explained that the military would be deployed in about 300 km border with El Salvador and Honduras, in an operation similar to the one that keeps Mexico with Mexico due to the fight between drug cartels in the border area.
The launch of the operation took place in the village of Vado Hondo, Chiquimula, close to the border with Honduras.
The spokeswoman explained that the “mission is to carry out security operations in the east region of the country, with emphasis on the international political limit with the republics of El Salvador and Honduras.” This border has few controls and there are many illegal steps used by drug traffickers and “coyotes” that move migrants.