In a region marked by increasingly complex security challenges, the relationship between the Guatemalan Armed Forces’ elite Kaibil unit and the U.S. Special Operations Forces (USSOF) has solidified as a key alliance against organized crime and transnational narcotrafficking. This long-standing, half a century collaboration is crucial in addressing serious threats and promoting security.
According to a report from Guatemala’s Francisco Marroquín University, the Kaibiles operate as an autonomous unit outside the traditional structures of the Armed Forces that specializes in jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations, carrying out high-impact intelligence and counterintelligence missions. “Their demanding training and discipline have earned them international prestige,” says Revista Militar Armas, a Mexican military magazine.
“Cooperation between the Kaibiles and USSOF has evolved strongly since its inception, reinforcing our operational capabilities,” Colonel Ángel Mario Ávila Siquinajay, commander of the Special Forces Brigade Battalion Kaibil General Pablo Nuila Hub, told Diálogo. “Thanks to this alliance, we have better equipment, tactical knowledge, and essential tools to effectively confront the transnational threat of narcotrafficking.”
Alliance with results
Col. Ávila emphasized that this collaboration raises the Kaibiles’ level of preparedness for threats of all kinds. “The capabilities acquired have strengthened national and regional security. We have developed skills in urban and close combat, advanced marksmanship, navigation, communications, explosives handling, and troop movement. We now have a tactical air infiltration team trained in airborne operations.
“Our Army was born with U.S. doctrine, with global standards and minor differences in the use of technology, which facilitates interoperability with USSOF, who have also reinforced our respect for human rights at all levels,” he added.
USSOF bring together elite units from the four branches of the U.S. military: Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), Naval Special Warfare Command (NAVSPECWARCOM), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), and Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC).
Warrior spirit
The term Kaibil is believed to derive from Kaibil Balam, a 16th century leader of the Mam people in the Mayan empire, meaning “he who has the strength and astuteness of two jaguars” in the Mam dialect.
As part of their intense training, the Kaibiles participate in U.S. Southern Command- (SOUTHCOM) led activities, such as the Countering Terrorism Fellowship Program, and in competitions such as Fuerzas Comando, key to their growth, by testing their physical, mental, and tactical performance with counterparts from across the Americas.
“Our participation in these events has allowed us not only to improve our training, but also to strengthen our military spirit,” Col. Ávila said. “If there are no vehicles, we continue on foot or swim, but we complete the mission successfully.”
Strategic presence
Under Guatemala’s Operation Ring of Fire, the Kaibiles deployed on the northern and southern borders as part of the Territorial and Border Control Task Force to combat drug and human trafficking. The deployment covers some 1,000 kilometers of legal and blind spots, Spanish daily El País reported.
This deployment took on special significance in July 2024, when violence in the town of Frontera Comalapa in Chiapas, Mexico, led to displacement into Guatemala. At that juncture, the Kaibiles acted on the front lines to prevent terrorist organizations such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the New Generation Cartel from entering the country, in coordination with regular troops, El País reported.
“Drug trafficking and organized crime are the most serious threats to Guatemala and the region. They corrupt systems and take control of key territories to move their illicit operations, with immense economic resources,” Col. Ávila said. “Confronting them requires preparation, intelligence, and international cooperation. There, the Kaibiles are on the front line.”
International missions and future alliances
Col. Ávila highlighted that the Kaibiles also take their skills to complex international settings, such as the peace mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo under the mandate of the United Nations. “These experiences are key to strengthening the discipline, commitment, and recognition of the Kaibiles in the international arena,” he said.
Among their upcoming international deployments, two detachments from the Kaibiles’ Special Interdiction and Rescue Group (GEIR) will travel May 28-June 12 to train with the Arkansas National Guard in tactical maneuvers, knowledge exchange, and technical support, Col. Ávila added.
Interoperability in the face of threats
“A transnational threat can only be fought with alliances at the same level. That is why cooperation between the United States and Guatemala is considered one of the strongest in the region,” said Col. Ávila. “In the future, [cooperation] will be even more necessary to face threats such as drug trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism.”
“My message to the armed forces of the region is clear: We must strengthen interoperability and cooperate among nations in all areas. Only then can we effectively confront the threats that endanger the security of our citizens and the stability of our countries,” Col. Ávila concluded.
