Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09GUATEMALA1458
2009-12-17 17:54:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Guatemala
Cable title:
Guatemala: 2009 Country Reports on Terrorism
how-toVZCZCXYZ1149 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHGT #1458 3511800 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 171754Z DEC 09 FM AMEMBASSY GUATEMALA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0617 INFO WHA CENTRAL AMERICAN COLLECTIVE RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC RHMFISS/DIRJIATF SOUTH J5 RHMFIUU/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL RHMFIUU/FBI WASHINGTON DC RUEABND/DEA HQS WASHINGTON DC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RUEILB/NCTC WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS GUATEMALA 001458
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
PLEASE PASS TO S/CT RHONDA SHORE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER ASEC GT
SUBJECT: Guatemala: 2009 Country Reports on Terrorism
REF: A) 09 STATE 109980
UNCLAS GUATEMALA 001458
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
PLEASE PASS TO S/CT RHONDA SHORE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER ASEC GT
SUBJECT: Guatemala: 2009 Country Reports on Terrorism
REF: A) 09 STATE 109980
1. (SBU) Per reftel, Embassy Guatemala's 2009 Report on
Terrorism is below. This report
was compiled by Political Officer Gina M. Werth, available at
email: WerthGM@state.gov ; tel. (502)
2326-4636.
2. (SBU) Guatemala does not suffer from a general terrorist
threat and there is no evidence of
extremism or fundraising to support terrorist activities.
Moreover, there were no terrorist attacks in Guatemala in 2009.
However, the security situation in Guatemala continued to
deteriorate due to increased infiltration from narcotraffickers in
large swaths of the country, greater economic hardship, and crime
stemming from gangs and extortion rings.
U.S. assistance supported Guatemala's anti-money laundering,
anti-corruption, and border security efforts. The U.S. Department
of Defense continued to train the Guatemalan military's
counterterrorist unit. In addition to threats posed by
transnational narcotics organizations, Guatemala is a major alien
smuggling route from Central and South America, which makes it a
potential transit point for terrorists seeking to gain access to
the United States.
Corruption, an ineffective criminal justice system, and a lack of
resources have limited Guatemala's ability to combat transnational
crime, especially in remote parts of the country. Guatemala's
borders are porous and lack adequate coverage by police or military
personnel. However, Guatemalan authorities have been cooperative
with the United States in investigating potential terrorism leads.
MCFARLAND
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
PLEASE PASS TO S/CT RHONDA SHORE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER ASEC GT
SUBJECT: Guatemala: 2009 Country Reports on Terrorism
REF: A) 09 STATE 109980
1. (SBU) Per reftel, Embassy Guatemala's 2009 Report on
Terrorism is below. This report
was compiled by Political Officer Gina M. Werth, available at
email: WerthGM@state.gov ; tel. (502)
2326-4636.
2. (SBU) Guatemala does not suffer from a general terrorist
threat and there is no evidence of
extremism or fundraising to support terrorist activities.
Moreover, there were no terrorist attacks in Guatemala in 2009.
However, the security situation in Guatemala continued to
deteriorate due to increased infiltration from narcotraffickers in
large swaths of the country, greater economic hardship, and crime
stemming from gangs and extortion rings.
U.S. assistance supported Guatemala's anti-money laundering,
anti-corruption, and border security efforts. The U.S. Department
of Defense continued to train the Guatemalan military's
counterterrorist unit. In addition to threats posed by
transnational narcotics organizations, Guatemala is a major alien
smuggling route from Central and South America, which makes it a
potential transit point for terrorists seeking to gain access to
the United States.
Corruption, an ineffective criminal justice system, and a lack of
resources have limited Guatemala's ability to combat transnational
crime, especially in remote parts of the country. Guatemala's
borders are porous and lack adequate coverage by police or military
personnel. However, Guatemalan authorities have been cooperative
with the United States in investigating potential terrorism leads.
MCFARLAND