Guatemala City, December 9 (AGN).- Guatemalan authorities reported the arrest of a heavily armed man in Agua Zarca, Santa Ana Huista, Huehuetenango, as part of an inter-institutional operation that responded to an illegal incursion registered on Monday, December 8 in the area bordering Mexico.
The National Civil Police (PNC) identified the captured person as Cleofer Zoé Marroquín Pérez40 years old, who was carrying an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and 30 ammunition while trying to enter Mexican territory.
Findings during the search in the area
After the arrest, security agents expanded patrols in the area and managed to locate a series of objects of high destructive power and technology allegedly used by illegal armed groups.
Among the confiscated items, the following stand out:
- Three dronesone of them valued at approximately 200 thousand quetzales.
- Four AK-47 rifles
- A 9mm caliber pistol.
- Various high caliber ammunition.
- 12 rifle hoppersas well as 4 portable radios.
- Two bulletproof vests.
- Approximately 50 explosives and Molotov-type artisanal incendiary bombs.
- Several pyrotechnic ignition fuses of cold match.
All material was transferred for analysis and subsequent legal process.
An inter-institutional effort allows the capture of Cleofer Zoé Marroquín Pérez, 40 years old, in Agua Zarca, Santa Ana Huista, Huehuetenango, who was carrying an AK-47 rifle, with a magazine and 30 ammunition, who intended to enter on the Mexican side. pic.twitter.com/FtHpTwLqhj
— PNC of Guatemala (@PNCdeGuatemala) December 9, 2025
Armed incursions into Guatemalan territory
The Guatemalan Army explained that the events originated after detecting that illegal and identified armed groups They had crossed the border from Mexico to the departments of Huehuetenango and San Marcos.
Soldiers on routine patrol were the first to observe suspicious movements in the Agua Zarca village, which confirmed the irregular presence.
The authorities indicated that these incursions represent a direct risk to national sovereignty and to the communities settled at the border points, which is why immediate security protocols were activated.
Upon noticing the military presence, the armed groups responded with shots, starting a direct confrontation.
During the exchange, a junior officer was injured in a limbalthough it was confirmed that he is stable. Likewise, it was reported death of a civilian in the area; His identity was not revealed while investigations continue.
After controlling the situation, the armed forces intensified operations, allowing the capture of Marroquín Pérez and the confiscation of the arsenal allegedly used by these illegal structures.
The Ministry of National Defense reported that it maintains communication with the Secretariat of National Defense of Mexico to jointly follow up on the case. The coordination aims to prevent future criminal incursions and strengthen security along the border line.
The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to continue operations in the area to guarantee the protection of the Guatemalan population and preserve the integrity of the national territory.
Also read:
Illegal incursion in Huehuetenango leaves a soldier injured and a civilian dead
lr/rm
