Guatemala: State of Siege in Place in Alta Verapaz

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | December 22nd, 2010 | Trackback

The government imposed a 30-day state of siege in the central province of Alta Verapaz to combat violence caused by a brutal Mexican drug gang that infiltrated the area a few years ago. The region, which is home to several popular national parks, has become a corridor for transporting drugs from Honduras to Mexico. The surprise military campaign, begun just before Christmas, brought 300 soldiers in to augment the regional police, who have 500 officers, about twice the usual number, in the operation. The state of siege permits the military to detain suspects without warrants, prohibit gun possession and use other extrajudicial powers. After 30 days, military leaders will determine whether to continue the state of siege or expand it to other areas.

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