Belize Protests Illegal Guatemalan Flag on Sarstoon

Belize protested strongly after Guatemalan forces planted a flag on Sarstoon Island, calling the act illegal and a violation of sovereignty; the banner was removed following urgent diplomatic talks.

The confrontation on Wednesday, September 10, saw Guatemalan Armed Forces personnel backing the unauthorized placement of their flag on the island, which lies firmly within Belize’s internationally recognized borders. Belize’s Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs intervened immediately, objecting to the .

Officials confirmed that Belize raised concerns about both the flag and the conduct of Guatemalan soldiers who supported the action. Guatemalan counterparts later confirmed that the flag was removed, easing the immediate standoff.

The Government of Belize said it will issue a formal protest at the highest level, framing the incident as another violation amid the unresolved territorial dispute between the two countries. That dispute, which is currently before the International Court of Justice, has made the Sarstoon River a recurring flashpoint.

Both sides pledged to avoid actions that risk confrontation and to rely on mechanisms established at recent inter-ministerial meetings to manage security operations in the area. Still, the latest flare-up underscores how fragile the situation remains despite diplomatic frameworks.

Belize reaffirmed its commitment to defend its territorial integrity while ensuring that its security forces act within the rule of law in safeguarding national sovereignty.