Guatemala declared a state of emergency in Zacapa and Izabal on Saturday, expanding security powers after an attack that killed a lawmaker and three police officers, Reuters reported.
The order took effect immediately and will remain in force for 30 days. It restricts outdoor assemblies and authorizes security officials to arrest people, enter homes without warrants and use force to disperse groups, Reuters reported.
Lawmaker Julio Cesar Portillo Paz was shot in Rio Hondo on Nov. 6 and later died at a hospital, Reuters reported. President Bernardo Arevalo later announced that three police officers had also been killed. EconoTimes previously reported on the U.S. designations of Guatemala-based groups.
Reuters reported that authorities had not identified those responsible. The outlet said the emergency followed heightened concern about organized crime in Zacapa. It also reported that the United States this week designated several crime groups operating in the area as terrorist organizations and accused them of ties to Mexican drug-trafficking cartels.
The government said the measure aims to protect the local population and Guatemalan families.
