Guatemala: Military veterans to protest nationwide Oct. 13-15

Event

Military veterans in Guatemala announced plans to protest nationwide, Oct. 13-15. Protesters plan to block major intercity roads causing significant transport disruptions on key routes across the country, including access to airports and seaports, from 06:00 Oct. 13. Organizers are demanding the approval of a compensation bill for Guatemalan military veterans.

Likely gathering points include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Guatemala City: La Aurora International Airport (GUA) and Transmetro lines

• Puerto San Jose: San Jose Airport (GSJ)

• Flores: Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS)

• CA-1 Highway: El Boqueron (km. 65), Monumento al Migrante (km. 190)

• CA-9 Highway: Sanarate (km. 53), Puerto Quetzal (km. 93)

• CA-10 Highway: La Fragua (km. 146)

• CA-13 Highway: Machaquila (km. 387)

• CA-14 Highway: Cumbre de Santa Elena (km. 132)

Organizers plan to protest outside offices and agencies of Guatemala's Tax Administration (Superintendencia de Administracion Tributaria, SAT), including those at the seaports in Quetzal, Santo Tomas de Castilla, and Puerto Barrios. Participants may also gather along other 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.

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.