By Zoila Palma: New footage obtained by Breaking Belize News reportedly shows several Belize Coast Guard vessels facing off with Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) personnel in the Sarstoon River this morning.
The footage shows Belize Coast Guard vessels operating in close proximity to an apparent Guatemalan military vessel, with Belize appearing to have a significantly larger security presence on the water. The reported encounter comes amid heightened tensions following Saturday’s confrontation between Belizean and Guatemalan military personnel.
The latest development comes just one day after Belize Coast Guard Commandant Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis delivered a stern message to Coast Guard personnel, emphasizing that Belize’s sovereignty must be defended. “Any belligerent force that threatens Belize’s sovereignty will be confronted with military professionalism, courage, discipline, and absolutely no fear,” Soberanis declared. He further assured personnel, “We will stand firm, united, and resolute in the defence of our nation and its sovereign interests.”
The increased security presence follows Saturday’s confrontation, during which Guatemalan military personnel reportedly rammed a vessel carrying Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldiers.
The incident prompted Belize to reinforce its security presence in the Sarstoon. National Security Chief Executive Officer Retired Major Francis Usher confirmed on Tuesday that additional Coast Guard and BDF vessels and personnel remained deployed in the area, with further reinforcements positioned nearby.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated that Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be protected.
The post Belize Coast Guard stands ground as Guatemalan military presence reported in Sarstoon appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: New footage obtained by Breaking Belize News reportedly shows several Belize Coast Guard vessels facing off with Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) personnel in the Sarstoon River this morning. The footage shows Belize Coast Guard vessels operating in close proximity to an apparent Guatemalan military vessel, with Belize appearing to have a significantly
The post Belize Coast Guard stands ground as Guatemalan military presence reported in Sarstoon appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
