(June 4, 2026 - Guatemala City) –– U.S. Marine Corps General Francis Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), completed a two-day visit to Guatemala today that included meetings with President Bernardo Arévalo; Minister of National Defense, General Henry David Sáenz Ramos; Chief of Defense, General Div. Jose Giovani Martínez Milián, Minister of Interior Marco Villeda, and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mónica Bolaños.
General Donovan was in Guatemala to continue the bilateral dialogue between senior U.S. and Guatemalan leaders on expanding the bilateral defense partnership to implement a shared commitment to counter cartel criminal activity under the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition — a hemispheric effort involving 18 nations steadfastly committed to ensuring peace, protecting sovereignty, and strengthening security in the region.
General Donovan’s visit reflects the United States’ recognition of Guatemala’s leading role in regional efforts to confront narco-terrorist networks and deny them safe haven in the Western Hemisphere. Guatemala’s recent successes in this area are a testament to its commitment and leadership.
Consistent with President Trump’s America First Policy, and at the direction of the U.S. Department of War, U.S. Southern Command is strengthening cooperation with committed partners across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean to detect, disrupt, and dismantle the violent cartels and U.S.-designated terrorist organizations threatening our citizens, our economies, and our shared security.