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Foreign Affairs Praises FCD For restraint In Fraught Border Encounter
posted (June 15, 2018)
But while there is fraternity in the face of a disaster, there also has to be vigilance to protect the borderline.

8 days ago, we told you how an FCD ranger team detained 2 Guatemalan poachers who were hunting wild birds in the Chiquibul National Park. The rangers retrieved a .22 rifle, 3 dead currasows, 1 dead crested guan, and rescued 2 scarlet macaw chicks. But more than that, they defused a dangerous situation without incident or loss of life. One of the poachers pointed the 22 rifle at them before abandoning the gun.

They did everything right, and tonight the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is publicly commending them for their swift but restrained actions.

A press release from the Ministry says that a high level inter-ministerial group, comprised of officials from the National Security Ministry, Foreign Affairs, Fisheries, Forestry, the Evironment and sustainable development, was convened to investigate the incident.

Their inquiry reveals exactly what the rangers had reported. On Wednesday, at around 10:30 a.m., a group of park rangers intercepted 5 men in the possession of endangered game birds in Chiquibul National Park, in an area that is located two and a half miles inside of Belizean territory. The rangers attempted to detain all 5 poachers but 3 got away. 1 of the escapees aimed a .22 caliber rifle at the chief ranger, who fired a warning shot. That poacher dropped the weapon and escaped into the bushes.

The rangers retrieved it, and found the birds. The two Guatemalan detainees were handed over to San Ignacio Police, where they were charged with illegal entry and poaching of wildlife.

The press release says that the FCD's actions are consistent with the rules of engagement for addressing life threatening acts of potential hostility by persons found in the Chiquibul National Park.

The Ministry says, quote, "The Group commends the FCD team for the exercise of restraint it displayed in apprehending the persons." End quote.

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