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11 Aug 2021 | 12:27 PM UTC

Guatemala: Further protests by military veterans are likely nationwide, Aug. 11 /update 2

Military veterans are likely to continue to protest in Guatemala, Aug. 11; roadblocks may cause transport disruptions.

Warning
security
transportation
GTM

Event

Further protests by military veterans are likely nationwide, Aug. 11. Veterans are demanding the approval of a pension bill. Protesters blocked major intercity roads causing significant transport disruptions on key routes across the country on Aug. 10; they threatened to resume protests, Aug. 11.

Possible gathering points on Aug. 11 include the following:

  • CA-1 Highway: El Tejar (km. 49), El Boqueron (km. 65), Monumento al Migrante (km. 190), Cruce de Colotenango (km. 266).

  • CA-2 Highway: San Antonio (km. 149), El Triangulo (km. 163), Puente Castillo Armas (km. 178.5), Cruce de la Virgen (km. 247).

  • CA-9 Highway: Sanarate (km. 53), Masagua (km.90), Puerto Quetzal (km. 93), La Ruidosa (km. 245).

  • CA-10 Highway: La Fragua (km. 146), Cruce San Esteban (km. 147).

  • CA-13 Highway: Machaquila (km. 387).

  • CA-14 Highway: Cumbre de Santa Elena (km. 132), Cruce de San Juan (km. 180).

Other likely gathering points include major thoroughfares, government buildings, and central squares nationwide.

Heightened security measures are likely, and associated clashes are possible near roadblocks and demonstration sites. Ground travel delays are likely near all protest locations.

Context

A series of nationwide protests have taken place across Guatemala since Aug. 5. Similar demonstrations in late July disrupted traffic at more than 35 sites along major roads located mostly in western and eastern Guatemala, including on Highways CA-1, CA-2, and CA-9. Protesters also disrupted traffic at a border crossing in El Carmen and along the road to Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores. Demonstrations are likely to persist until protester demands are met.

Advice

Avoid all protests and do not pass through roadblocks; wait for the police to clear them. Consider alternative routes around impact areas. Plan for disruptions to both general travel and the transport of freight. Reconfirm the status of all road routes in the coming days before departure. Heed the directives of the local authorities and monitor local media for updates. Reconfirm all public transport services.

Analysis