By Belize Live News Staff: The Government of Belize has lodged a strong protest after a Guatemalan flag was illegally planted on Sarstoon Island, well within Belize’s sovereign borders.
According to an official statement, the incident occurred on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, and was supported by Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) personnel. Belize’s Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs intervened immediately, holding high-level discussions with Guatemalan counterparts.
Belize expressed its strong objection to the placement of the flag and the conduct of GAF personnel. Guatemalan officials later confirmed that the flag had been removed.
Both governments pledged to avoid actions that could lead to escalation at the Sarstoon and reiterated commitments made during a recent inter-ministerial meeting to establish a coordinating mechanism for operations in the area.
Belize will now lodge a formal protest at the highest level, reaffirming its commitment to defend territorial sovereignty while emphasizing that its security forces will act within the rule of law.
