Guatemala declares 30-day state of emergency after deadly attacks

Guatemala has declared a 30-day state of emergency in two eastern departments following a series of deadly armed attacks that killed a lawmaker and three police officers.
The emergency measures were announced on Saturday by the government of President Bernardo Arevalo, covering the departments of Zacapa and Izabal. The decision aims to strengthen security operations and address growing concerns over organised crime and armed violence.
Under the decree, authorities have imposed restrictions on public gatherings and expanded the powers of security forces. Officials are authorised to disperse gatherings by force when necessary, make arrests and enter residential properties without judicial warrants.
The measures took immediate effect and will remain in place for 30 days. Zacapa and Izabal are neighbouring departments in eastern Guatemala and cover a combined area roughly equivalent to the size of Qatar.
The government announced the emergency following a series of violent incidents, including the November 6 shooting of lawmaker Julio Cesar Portillo in Rio Hondo, Zacapa. Portillo was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.
Three police officers were also killed in the attack, according to President Arevalo.
Authorities have not yet confirmed who was behind the killings. However, the violence has intensified concerns about the growing influence of organised criminal groups and their threats to public security.
The emergency declaration is part of the government’s response to the escalating security situation as it seeks to strengthen law enforcement operations and prevent further attacks.