Guatemala deploys 2,000 troops after deadly attack on soldiers

Soldiers patrol during a temporary state of siege, approved by the Guatemalan Congress following the death of several soldiers last week, in the community of Semuy II, Izabal province, Guatemala September 9, 2019. REUTERS/Luis Echeverria

IZABAL, Guatemala (Reuters) - Hundreds of Guatemalan soldiers were deployed on Monday to an area near the border with Honduras and Mexico, home to long-standing social conflicts, in a bid to improve security after three soldiers were gunned down by suspected drug runners.

Defence Minister Luis Miguel Ralda told reporters that 2,000 soldiers had been sent as part of the mission following a declaration of emergency powers granted by the Congress two days ago.