Incident Details

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo announced the 30-day State of Siege (SoS) on November 14, following a series of violent attacks linked to organized crime. The SoS aims to combat gangs and cartels, restricting the right to assemble and freedom of movement, and the right to bear arms. Authorities have also been granted expanded powers to conduct searches and arrests without warrants. Hundreds of soldiers and police have been deployed to the two regions with increased security checkpoints.

Traveler Safety

SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid travel to Zacapa and Izabal and monitor local media for updates.