Guatemala declares state of siege for 3 killed soldiers

Five provinces, area known as drug trafficking corridor, to be affected

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Guatemala has declared a state of siege in five eastern provinces to regain control after the murder of three soldiers by suspected drug traffickers.

The area affected from the state of siege, including Alta Verapaz, El Progreso, Izabal, Peten and Zacapa provinces, is near the borders with Mexico and Honduras, and the area is known as the "drug trafficking corridor," the government said on Wednesday at a press conference broadcasted by government channel.

A group of suspected drug traffickers on Tuesday "ambushed" a patrol to detain an aircraft allegedly transporting drugs and killed three soldiers, according to the Guatemalan Army.

The measure will impose a curfew, prohibit demonstrations and make it easier for the armed forces to detain people, should be approved by the Congress in three days.

Later in the day, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet with Guatemalan President-elect Alejandro Giammattei in Washington.

Central American migration that overwhelms U.S.' southern border with Mexico is expected to be among the key issues the duo will discuss.

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