Guatemala Declares State of Emergency Amidst Drug Trafficking Violence
Summary
Guatemala has declared a 30-day state of emergency in the eastern departments of Zacapa and Izabal after a surge in drug trafficking violence. The move follows the killing of four people, including Member of Parliament Julio Portillo, in an armed attack in Rio Hondo.
Key Points
- Guatemalan authorities imposed a 30-day state of emergency in Zacapa and Izabal to respond to drug trafficking-related violence.
- The order bans public gatherings and gives security forces expanded powers, including dispersing crowds, making arrests, and entering homes without warrants.
- The emergency follows the killing of Member of Parliament Julio Portillo and three police officers in Rio Hondo last week.
- The United States recently designated the Lorenzana family group and the Mendoza family group as terrorist organizations.
