Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei was at least 2 km away from the scene when the incident unfolded, according to official remarks. The statement came from Ruben Telles, who serves as the spokesperson for Guatemala’s army. The report is cited by sources including the Russian news agency TASS via Milenio, adding a cross-border dimension to the account of events.
As described by Telles, the clash occurred in the municipality of Jacaltenango, situated near Guatemala’s northern frontier with Mexico. The location choice underscores how quickly security incidents can spill across regional borders, challenging local authorities to manage responses across national boundaries while maintaining control over the investigation.
According to the official account, Guatemalan soldiers signaled for a private vehicle to halt. The occupants of the car reportedly noticed the army and opened fire, prompting a return volley from the soldiers. The exchange lasted only a short period but drew attention to the potential for misperception during tense confrontations in border zones where military patrols operate under high alert.
There is mention of at least four individuals being detained by Mexican authorities, with ongoing efforts to locate others suspected to be involved. The situation highlights the complexities of cross-border security operations and the coordination required between Guatemalan and Mexican authorities to identify and apprehend suspects while preserving evidence for any forthcoming inquiries.
Earlier reporting noted that a presidential convoy linked to Giammattei was reportedly set ablaze in the Huehuetenango department, located in northwest Guatemala. During that attack, several individuals sustained injuries, including a member of the assailant group who was captured by the president’s protective detail. The detainee is described as a Mexican citizen, which adds an additional layer to the incident’s profile and raises questions about the broader security context in the region, including operations against potential external agitators and local threats alike.