Are BDF Soldiers Operating with outdated Communications Equipment? 

On September 7, Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldiers found themselves surrounded by over 10 possibly armed Guatemalans near the Machakilha Conservation Post while detaining five Guatemalan illegal loggers. As communication with Fairweather Camp was lost, tensions escalated, and soldiers heard gunshots in the distance. Outnumbered, the patrol commander made the tactical decision to release the detainees to avoid violence, abandoning their original mission to destroy two illegal bridges. Minister of National Defence Florencio Marin Jr. later confirmed the incident, praising the BDF for taking appropriate actions to de-escalate such situations. The detained Guatemalans were part of a larger illegal logging operation, suspected to be orchestrated by a figure known as “Salvador,” who has operated in the region for years. Despite detentions, the illegal operations continue.

 

The September 7 standoff at Machakilha was intensified by a critical communication failure. The Belize Defence Force (BDF) relies on Harris and VHF radios for secure, long-range communication during operations. The Harris radio, manufactured by L3Harris Technologies, is a robust military-grade device offering encryption, GPS, and multi-frequency capabilities, while the VHF radio is known for its versatility in various professional settings. However, both systems failed during the incident.

Communication issues began when the VHF radio couldn’t establish a connection, and the Harris radio eventually “went out of sync.” The BDF’s Fairweather Camp in Punta Gorda had been alerted to the situation, with the soldiers reporting they were surrounded by “potentially hostile” Guatemalans, likely seeking to recover the detainees. Fairweather Camp’s response was to “man your grounds,” but shortly after, the Harris radio lost sync, severing contact.

Efforts to re-establish communication, including a final attempt at 9:30 p.m., were unsuccessful, leaving the patrol isolated until the following morning.

When asked about the state of the BDF’s communication equipment, Minister of National Defence Florencio Marin Jr. was questioned on whether upgrades or replacements are needed.

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