CARICOM Condemns Guatemalan Incursions into Belize

The Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) once more escalated tensions on Belize’s southern border after entering the Sarstoon River and planting their flag on Belize’s Sarstoon Island. This provocative act took place on September 10, the day Belize celebrates the Battle of St George’s Caye.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) condemned the actions, describing them as “flagrantly violating Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“CARICOM has been informed by the Government of Belize that on several occasions during the period 10-13 September 2025, elements of the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) entered Belizean territory in the Sarstoon River, which borders the two countries,” CARICOM said in a statement today.

“The GAF members illegally hoisted a Guatemalan flag on Belizean territory, attempted to ram a Belizean military vessel, and harassed and obstructed Belizeans from freely and peacefully navigating the Sarstoon River,” it added.

Wil Maheia, founder of the Belize Territorial Volunteers, also called the incident “totally unacceptable.” He said, “They came into our territory, and they just placed their flag on the island… It’s a very serious incident. They have never done that before.”

Meanwhile, the latest incident has intensified tensions, with many Belizeans taking to social media to express outrage and call for a boycott of travel or activities involving Guatemala.

CARICOM called on Guatemala to “ensure that its military forces desist from illegally entering Belizean territory and from aggressive actions which will raise tensions between the countries, escalate into a military conflict, and endanger the safety of persons who use the Sarstoon River.”