Every now and then we hear of “box fish” washing up on Belizean shores or a plane carrying drugs lands on a highway, but for the most part Belize has stayed out of the drug cartel spotlight despite being surrounded by it. Belize’s neighbor to the West and South, Guatemala, has not been as fortunate. Last week 200 U.S. Marines entered Guatemala to implement their share of Operation Martillo (or Hammer). The operation began early this year, and marks a change for enforcement in the region.
The news broke when two U.S. agents were wounded in an incident in Mexico last week, and it was discovered they were likely working for the CIA after the two men were attacked by plain-clothed Mexican police officers.
Wired Magazine has a good summary of what we know about Operation Martillo.