The BDF went out on a major special operation in the area of Rio Blanco - in south-western Belize over the weekend. 7News requested access to go on a helicopter media linkup on Saturday - but we were told it was reserved for the government press office - which still has not released any video, despite requests. We have also made requests to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the BDF, but, stonewalled at every turn.
But, what we do know is that the Special Patrol with more than 3 dozen soldiers and FCD rangers went to Jimenez farm - which is a Guatemalan farm that has been illegally planted in Belize for some years.
They went to dismantle the farm's fence - which lies within Belize and destroy some of the illegal crops - but they met major resistance from Guatemalan civilians. Reports tell us that members of the FCD were fired upon by Guatemalan civilians. After that, as many as 30 civilians gathered a distance away and hoisted Guatemalan flags in defiance. Undeterred, the BDF still destroyed some beans and pepinos crops.
That's when the BDF Patrol also had an encounter with the Guatemalan military, who came over to the Belize side with a reported 60 soldiers. The Guatemalan senior officer asked the BDF if the farmers had been notified before the crops were destroyed and if the OAS had approved the operation. The BDF team of about 40 soldiers reportedly cautioned them not to come into Belize.
On the way back, one of the soldiers in the patrol was bitten by a snake and extracted on foot through rough terrain - since the helicopter was unable to take him out. The extraction took almost 13 hours. He was taken to the Western Regional and is reported to be in good condition.
