“Tensions in The Sarstoon Persist Daily”

A video that began circulating online this week shows Guatemalan military personnel pursuing soldiers of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) in waters belonging to Belize near the Sarstoon River.

Belize has long maintained that the Sarstoon River forms part of its southern boundary with Guatemala, a claim Guatemala continues to contest.

In response to the video and growing public concern, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security issued an informal statement confirming that such encounters are not isolated incidents but a routine feature of operations in the area. “Tensions in the Sarstoon persist daily, but the brave men and women of the Belize Defence Force stand firm and ensure our sovereignty and territorial integrity remain intact,” Francis Usher said.

He added that the BDF is supported by the Belize Coast Guard, which remains nearby and ready to assist. Tactics have been modified to strengthen operations, including the use of “more vessels, bigger vessels and more manpower”.

The Ministry also confirmed ongoing communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating that incidents in the Sarstoon are being documented and formally raised through international diplomatic channels.