Three Guards Killed as Gunmen Ambush Guatemalan Congressman's Convoy in Zacapa
Deputy Julio Portillo was reported in stable condition after the attack on the Atlantic highway at Río Hondo; no arrests or motive had been reported Friday night.
See where this is ›RÍO HONDO, Guatemala —
Gunmen attacked the convoy of Guatemalan congressman Julio César Portillo Paz on Friday, Nov. 6, at kilometer 137 of the Atlantic highway in Río Hondo, Zacapa, killing three men who were guarding him or riding with him, Prensa Libre and other Guatemalan outlets reported. Emisoras Unidas said the attack happened in front of the Río Hondo police substation.
See where this is ›Soy502 identified the dead as Jorge Paau Xicol, Fernando Antonio Reyes Aldana and Erick Armides Ramos Osorio. Reyes Aldana was assigned to the deputy's personal security, and two of the men were riding a motorcycle, according to Prensa Libre and La Hora.
Portillo, who represents the Zacapa district, was taken for medical care. La Hora and Soy502 reported he was in stable condition; La Hora said fragments struck his vehicle's front windshield. Two other guards were not hurt, Prensa Libre said.
Guatemala's Interior Ministry said the three died in the line of duty while repelling an armed attack and that the Public Ministry is leading the investigation. Prensa Libre reported that casings from high-caliber weapons were found at the scene. No arrests had been reported Friday night.
Congress president Luis Alberto Contreras Colíndres, with the board of the Congress, condemned the attack and called for an investigation that is prompt, transparent and impartial, according to Prensa Libre. Portillo was elected with the Cabal party and joined the UNE party at a meeting in Zacapa on Oct. 31, La Hora reported.
What we don't know yet: who carried out the attack and why. Outlets also differed on the victims: Prensa Libre and Soy502 described all three as National Civil Police agents, while a fire department post cited by La Hora described them as two police agents and a private guard. Reports also differed on whether Portillo himself was wounded and where he was taken; Emisoras Unidas said he was unhurt and taken to the IGSS social security hospital, while La Hora said he went to a private facility.
