Guatemala's government has rejected reports that it agreed to allow US airstrikes against drug traffickers in the Central American nation, while confirming it had sought security cooperation with Washington.
“There is no agreement allowing foreign military activities on national territory,” the government of President Bernardo Arevalo said in a statement on Thursday (May 29).
The denial appeared to respond to a New York Times report earlier that day, which cited two anonymous sources claiming Arevalo had consented to US military action in his country.
Guatemala's statement accompanied a note from Defense Minister Henry Saenz to his US counterpart Pete Hegseth, dated May 28. The note said Guatemala “is willing to lead, with US support, proactive military operations” against drug groups Washington designates as “designated terrorist organizations” (DTOs).
“Under existing bilateral agreements and arrangements, joint operations led by Guatemala will advance bilateral interests in defeating DTOs and strengthening regional and hemispheric security,” Saenz wrote.
However, the Guatemalan government stressed that the request for support from Washington did not invite US attacks on its soil. “This request falls within the framework of existing bilateral agreements on this matter and strictly adheres to constitutional provisions and current laws regarding civilian or military security cooperation agreements,” the statement said.
Under President Donald Trump, the US has shown a willingness to use force in Latin America. Since last year, the US has conducted airstrikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, killing at least 194 people, in a campaign human rights groups equate to extrajudicial executions. In January, the US also abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is accused of drug trafficking. Maduro was replaced by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who has improved ties with Washington and allowed greater foreign involvement in the country's oil sector.
Many Central and South American nations have struggled to contain gang violence linked to drug trafficking. In January, President Arevalo declared a state of emergency after gang suspects killed at least 10 police officers. Yet Latin American leaders have been cautious about accepting US military intervention in their countries, even as they invite intelligence and security cooperation. Arevalo was elected in 2023 as an anti-corruption crusader.
