Western Hemisphere 77
Narrative: Tensions between Belize and Guatemala reignited in early 2000 when
Belizean troops shot dead a Guatemalan farmer in a disputed border area. On Febru-
ary 2, Guatemala renewed its claim to a large portion of Belize’s territory. Then, on
February 24, Guatemalan troops detained three Belizean soldiers and a policeman
who were carrying assault weapons in the disputed area. During the first two weeks
of March, both Belize and Guatemala increased their military troop presence along the
border. Guatemala increased surveillance of the border through April 2000.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from February 24, 2000. End day changed from
Missing.
MID#4152
Dispute Number: 4152
Date(s): December 28, 2000 to May 13, 2001
Participants: 80 Belize/90 Guatemala
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Belizean soldiers crossed the Guatemalan border and placed boundary
markers in late December 2000. Debate continued among Belizean officials in early
2001 over what to do with Guatemalans who had settled in disputed territories. Initial
plans to evict the settlers were quashed and then restarted. Belizean soldiers finally
harassed and evicted the families in May.
90 Guatemala/91 Honduras
MID#1205
Started in March 1906. See the narrative in the 90 Guatemala/92 El Salvador dyad
dispute list.
MID#1175
Dispute Number: 1175
Date(s): February 19, 1917 to December 29, 1917
Participants: 90 Guatemala/91 Honduras
Outcome (and Settlement): Compromise (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On February 19, 1917, Guatemalan authorities ordered the Cuyamel Fruit
Company to stop work on a railroad in northwestern Honduras. The company refused,
and the authorities declared an occupation of the Honduran territory. Honduras pro-
tested. Honduran forces then invaded and occupied disputed territory in Guatemala.
These forces numbered 1,000 by November 6, according to a report. There were also
reports of movements of large numbers of Guatemalan forces on the border near
Omoa on November 3. After the agreed mediation of the United States on the issue,
the two states established a neutral zone on December 29.