Government Deploys Military in Bid to Calm Urban Violence
In the wake of a violent weekend that rattled Belize City, authorities are taking an unusual step, bringing in the Belize Defense Force to support police operations on the ground. While that kind of backup is typically reserved for states of emergency, officials insist this isn’t that. Instead, they say it’s a targeted move to calm rising tensions in known crime hotspots across the Old Capital. Today, the CEO in the Ministry of Home Affairs broke down the decision and what it means for residents.
Elton Bennett
Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Home Affairs
“We have certainly increased the tempo of operations. We go back to last week series of violent activities in Belize City. There were some serious planning conducted in the Belize Police Department across the security forces to try and come up with operations that would have strategic impact in reducing crime, at least the hard approach. The other methods of addressing the root cause of crime must continue, but we believe the efforts from law enforcement and the military entity is required at this time to try and quell some of the tensions that exist. So indeed as you move around Belize City you will perhaps see some more police presence and some more security presence at different checkpoints and different hotspots across Belize City.”
Belize City Sees Troop Surge, Officials Say Stay Calm
Despite the increased presence of Belize Defense Force troops across Belize City, officials stress this is not a state of emergency. CEO Elton Bennett says the move falls “just below the threshold,” meaning residents can go about their daily lives without any restrictions on their rights or freedoms. What has changed, he explains, is the level of security on the ground. According to Bennett, the heightened deployment sends a clear signal that the government is stepping up and taking the crime situation seriously.
Elton Bennett
Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, CEO, Ministry of Home Affairs
“It is not an SOE; it is just below the threshold of an SOE. We believe we can find that spot just below the threshold of SOE where we can be effective operationally, where if we employ the right forces in the right location we will be able to address some of those crimes that are committed without having to go to an SOE. So this is an attempt to achieve operational success without having to go to an SOE. I understand that there are targeted areas across Belize City. But that does not mean that we are infringing on anyone’s rights. That does not mean that there are any limitations or freedom of movements from anyone in any communities. It just means that the government is very serious about addressing the crime situation in Belize City.”
CEO Bennett says a timeline has not been placed on the ongoing operation, because it is results driven
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