By Belize Live News Staff: The Government of Belize is condemning what it calls an act of aggression after two Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) vessels crossed into Belizean waters and aggressively approached a Belize Defence Force patrol on the Sarstoon River.
In a statement on Saturday, November 7, the Foreign Ministry said the BDF was carrying out a routine patrol around Sarstoon Island when the Guatemalan vessels approached in an evident attempt at intimidation.
The government said the BDF patrol acted with professionalism and restraint and returned safely to the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base after completing its patrol.
The base has since been reinforced with additional BDF and Belize Coast Guard vessels.
“The Government of Belize strongly condemns these acts of aggression and the incursion into Belizean waters,” the statement said.
Belize will lodge a formal protest with the Government of Guatemala and report the incident to the Organization of American States.
The government commended the BDF for its discipline and composure and called on Guatemala to respect Belize’s sovereignty and refrain from further provocation.
