In early December, Guatemala’s elite troops the Kaibiles celebrated their 50th anniversary. The special operations wing of the Guatemalan Army earned itself a reputation for being among the toughest and most effective special forces in Latin America. U.S. Special Operations Forces (USSOF) had the opportunity to celebrate their longtime partners in a display of their combined skills during an event at the Kaibil School in Poptún, Guatemala. The relationship, which dates to 1986, is a cornerstone to Guatemala and the United States’ efforts to enhance regional security, cooperation, and address evolving threats. The mutual respect developed through decades of training and exchanges has made clear that these efforts are central to the region’s stability. The Kaibiles-USSOF partnership is a prime example of how cooperation and joint training advance mutual security goals, and a reminder of how important it is to invest in these enduring relationships. Pictured: The 7th Group (Airborne) Special Operations Forces joined the Kaibiles to mark their 50th anniversary, at the Kaibil School in Poptún, Guatemala, December 3, 2024. (Photo: U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Jorge Santillan)