Posted: Saturday, March 5, 2016. 10:46 a.m. CST
By BBN Staff: Belize Defense Soldiers (BDF) in the Chiquibul area came under fire from Guatemalan poachers yesterday, and though details have been scarce, one source is now suggesting there may be a connection to the murder of Special Constable Danny Conorquie in 2014.
According to reports from a source within the San Ignacio police formation, on Friday morning a BDF patrol in the Chiquibul forest near the Caracol archaeological site came across three Guatemalans who appeared to be cultivating marijuana in Belizean territory. When the men spotted the BDF patrol, they opened fire on the soldiers who then responded, exchanged fire of their own.
One of the Guatemalans was shot to the leg and BDF soldiers were able to subdue and arrest all three men. The trio was also in possession of a number of guns including a rifle, a pump 12 action shotgun and a nine-millimeter, which were all confiscated.
Danny Conorquie
San Ignacio police now suspect that one of the weapons recovered belonged to the late Conorquie, who was murdered at the Caracol archaeological site, which is near the area where the poachers were found.
The BDF is still reviewing the incident and is yet to release a statement but all indications suggest that the poachers opened fire first and the BDF was justified in their use of force. The Guatemalan that was shot has also been taken for medical treatment.
The incident, however, is sure to exacerbate the already increasing tension between Belize and Guatemala along the borders. It also comes on the heels of Guatemalan vessels illegally entering Belizean waters to stop the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) from going to the Sarstoon Island.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also not released any statement on the matter as yet.
Belize Breaking News is closely monitoring the situation and will post more as soon as more information is available.
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