Mexico's Secretary of Defense confirmed on Tuesday morning that an armed clash occurred between members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Guatemalan army on its national territory. The clash, announced yesterday, left one Guatemalan soldier wounded by a gunshot to the foot, as confirmed today by Ricardo Trevilla Trejo. Guatemala's Ministry of National Defense specified that the shootout took place in the community of Agua Zarca, in the municipality of Santa Ana Huista, Huehuetenango department, which borders Mexico. A spokesperson for the Army detailed that presumed armed groups entered Guatemalan territory in the Huehuetenango and San Marcos provinces, firing upon several communities. Following the incident, units of the Armed Forces reinforced security measures in the area to guarantee the protection of local communities. The Ministry of Defense stated that during subsequent operations, soldiers located weaponry, explosives, and surveillance equipment such as drones, which were turned over to the authorities.
In response, Mexico's Secretary of Defense reiterated the existence of “collaboration” with Guatemalan authorities, announcing that a “plan to carry out coordinated operations” along the border would begin today. This plan is tentatively set to run until December 11, with the possibility of extension. The general added that there was an immediate exchange of information between the two countries yesterday, and military personnel were deployed on the Mexican side. He also highlighted that two organized crime groups operate in the highlighted area: one affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel, and the second with the Chiapas and Guatemala Cartel. Beyond the plan starting today, periodic meetings with border personnel and Guatemala's Fifth Infantry Brigade were mentioned.
