US Army Blackhawk helicopters are in Belize-reportedly as part of a contingent trying to encourage the country's leaders to allow the US military to play a more active role in drug interdiction efforts. And they could also be sending a message to the Guatemalan military.
Today, the Ministry of National Security posted this video showing a Blackhawk helicopter landing at the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base.
Pictures posted by the US Embassy in Belize show that Minister of National Security Michel Chebat and US Ambassador Andre Bauer were on board.
The Embassy post says they, quote, "saw firsthand how Belize's partnership in the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition supports our shared mission to keep the region safe, secure, and prosperous."
Yesterday we asked Chebat's CEO about the presence of the Blackhawks:
Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Security
"There are three Black Hawks, three U.S. Black Hawks out of Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras that are here in Belize currently."
Jaleeza Roberts:
"Okay. So what are they here for?"
Francis Usher:
"Well, one of our best bilateral partners is the U.S. From time to time you get Black Hawks or Chinooks from Honduras that come in sometimes for training exercises, just sometimes to remind the general public that the Belize and the U.S. are allies and partners. And there were plans to do a tour of the border, different OPs yesterday, but weather did not permit. There are plans to accomplish that in the future aboard the U.S. helicopters. But they are here simply to demonstrate that we are... we have a great relationship. We are allies. We are partners. And you know, this is-oh, sorry. This is just a relationship, a good relationship that we have."
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