Belize Condemns Aggression After Guatemalan Vessels Approach BDF Patrol on Sarstoon

The Government of Belize says two Guatemalan Armed Forces vessels crossed into Belizean waters on Saturday and aggressively approached a Belize Defence Force (BDF) patrol near Sarstoon Island, in what it calls an evident attempt at intimidation.

According to the government, the BDF patrol was conducting a routine patrol around the island when the incident happened. It says the patrol acted with professionalism and restraint and returned safely to the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base after finishing its patrol. The base has since been reinforced with more BDF and Belize Coast Guard vessels.

The government said it “strongly condemns these acts of aggression and the incursion into Belizean waters.”

Belize’s position is that the 1859 Treaty sets the boundary at the mid-channel of the Sarstoon River and that Sarstoon Island lies within Belizean territory. Guatemala’s claim is pending before the International Court of Justice, and the government noted that both countries are obliged to refrain from any action that may aggravate the dispute.

The government said it will lodge a formal protest with the government of Guatemala and report the incident to the Organization of American States. It commended the BDF for its “discipline and composure” and called on Guatemala to respect Belize’s sovereignty and refrain from further provocation.