Guatemala declares state of emergency after armed attacks kill at least 5

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has declared a state of emergency in two western municipalities following a series of deadly armed attacks. The declaration, made on Sunday, comes after assailants targeted a military post and a police station the previous day. Roads were blocked, and buses were hijacked during the attacks, which resulted in at least five fatalities.

According to President Arévalo, criminal gangs are attempting to intimidate security forces into withdrawing from the region, with the goal of seizing control. The government has pledged to increase security measures in response.

The state of emergency, which is the first implemented under Arévalo's administration, will be in effect for 15 days in Nahuala and Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan, both located in the department of Solola.

"We are at a critical moment for the department of Solola and the security of the country," Arévalo stated, while accompanied by Interior Minister Marco Villeda, acting Defense Minister José Giovanni Martínez Milán, and the head of General Staff. He presented video and photographic evidence of Saturday's events, showing armed individuals, some in camouflage or military attire, carrying high-caliber weapons and taking cover near a busy road.

The president stated that the criminal groups involved are connected to drug trafficking and extortion, posing a significant threat to local communities. He reassured residents that "The communities are not alone."

While Interior Minister Marco Villeda reported five deaths, National Civil Police Director David Botero had previously stated on Saturday that six people died, including a soldier.

The violence is believed to have begun last Thursday with an attack on the military post, which left four people injured at that time.

Long-standing disputes over water resources and roads between the two municipalities have persisted for decades, resulting in numerous deaths. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. Arévalo clarified that "In this case, there was no attack between the communities. This was an attack on the military post, intentionally and specifically."

The state of emergency will limit certain constitutional rights, including those related to public gatherings, demonstrations, and events. Authorities are now empowered to forcibly dissolve unauthorized assemblies, especially those involving weapons or violence. The right to protest in ways that disrupt public services or freedom of movement is also restricted, and the carrying of weapons is prohibited.