Guatemala and El Salvador reactivate border police

GUATEMALA CITY – Guatemala and El Salvador reactivated the Binational Police this week to help protect their shared border and keep travelers safe, a Guatemalan official said on Tuesday.

“The security plan, involving police forces in both countries …, is part of a regional security strategy backed by both governments,” Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) Director Pedro Duchez said.

The plan “is particularly relevant for the safety of visitors,” as El Salvador is the largest source of visitors to Guatemala, a market that grew 6.9 percent compared with 2011, he added.

From January to August, 392,437 Salvadoran tourists entered Guatemala, according to INGUAT.

The director of Guatemala’s National Civil Police, Gerson Oliva, said the Guatemalan force will be composed of 32 officers and 10 vehicles.

Guatemala and El Salvador created a binational police force for guarding roads connecting the two countries, but it was disbanded four years ago.