State of Emergency in Guatemala Exposes Regional Security Failures That Threaten U.S. Interests

In a stark reminder that lawlessness anywhere threatens freedom everywhere, Guatemala has declared a state of emergency after deadly armed attacks killed at least five people and undermined government authority in the western municipalities of Nahuala and Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan. This alarming development is not just a local crisis but a cautionary tale with direct implications for American national security. On Sunday, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo announced his first state of emergency since taking office, imposing strict controls on public gatherings and arms carrying to curb escalating violence by well-armed criminal gangs. These groups—camouflaged in military gear, wielding high-caliber weapons—targeted...