Guatemala denies agreeing to US strikes against drug traffickers

Guatemala’s government denied reports that it approved US attacks on drug traffickers. It said it requested security cooperation from Washington but did not authorize foreign military operations within national territory. The government stated there is no agreement allowing any country to conduct strikes on Guatemalan soil. A defense minister’s note to the US counterpart said Guatemala wants to lead active military operations against drug groups designated as terrorist organizations by Washington, with US assistance. The government emphasized that the request for assistance is not an invitation for US attacks and follows existing bilateral agreements and constitutional and legal provisions for civil or military security cooperation.

"“There is no agreement authorising foreign military operations by any country within national territory,” the government of President Bernardo Arevalo said in a statement on Thursday. “The Guatemalan government has denied reports that it agreed to allow the United States to carry out strikes against drug traffickers,” while confirming it sought security cooperation with Washington."

"“The note says that Guatemala desires to lead, with US assistance, active military operations against drug groups identified as designated terrorist organisations (DTOs) by Washington. In accordance with existing bilateral agreements and arrangements, such combined Guatemala-led operations would further bilateral interests in defeating DTOs and advancing regional and hemispheric security,” Saenz wrote."

"“But the Guatemalan government stressed that the call for assistance from Washington was not an invitation for US attacks in the country. This request falls within the framework of existing bilateral agreements on this matter and strictly adheres to the provisions of the Constitution and applicable laws regarding cooperation agreements on civil or military security,” it said."

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