Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo declared a 15-day state of emergency in Nahuala and Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan after armed men attacked a military post and police station, hijacked buses, and killed at least five people.

He said criminal gangs aim to push security forces out and take control of the region, prompting the government to reinforce security.

The attackers, some in military-style gear, are linked to extortion and drug trafficking and posed a serious threat to local communities.

The emergency restricts public gatherings, protests, and the carrying of weapons to restore order, ABC News has reported.

Arévalo emphasized that the attacks targeted security forces, not local community disputes, despite longstanding local tensions over water and roads.