For the second time since taking office in 2016, President Jimmy Morales has declared a state of siege, a measure which allows for a military deployment and restricts basic rights such as the freedom of movement and the right to bear arms. He said that the move, which affects 22 municipalities in north-eastern Guatemala, was necessary to better target criminal groups in the area after three soldiers were killed in Izabal department. However, human rights organisations suggest the government could have other motives, pointing out that social conflicts over natural resources are also common in the area.End of preview - This article contains approximately 647 words.
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