UDP Demands Full Investigation Into Guatemalan Military Aircraft Incident

The Opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) has called on the Government of Belize to launch a full investigation and promptly release all radar and air traffic data regarding the unauthorized flight of a Guatemalan military aircraft near Belizean territory on September 24. The demand comes after Major (Ret’d) Francis Usher, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, confirmed that Belize granted no authorization for the flight, which reportedly passed near Lighthouse Reef Atoll and Caye Caulker.  While Guatemala’s Ministry of National Defence issued a statement claiming its military operations strictly adhere to national and international laws, the UDP pointed out that the release failed to address whether the aircraft actually entered Belizean airspace.  In a press release issued today, the UDP urged the Briceno administration to obtain a direct explanation from Guatemalan authorities concerning the exact flight path and mission purpose. The party stressed that under international aviation regulations, state aircraft must receive prior authorization before entering another nation’s sovereign airspace.  The UDP stated that if the evidence confirms that this aircraft entered Belizean airspace, the absence of authorization makes a formal diplomatic protest necessary; adding that Belize should also brief relevant regional and international partners on the incident.