Guatemalan forces clash with migrant caravan bound for United States border

Guatemalan security forces have used sticks and tear gas to beat back a large migrant caravan bound for the United States.

Between 7,000 and 8,000 migrants, including families with young children, have entered Guatemala since Friday, authorities say.

A large number of the migrants from Honduras have fled poverty and violence in a region hammered by the coronavirus pandemic and back-to-back hurricanes in November.

“Guatemala’s message is loud and clear: These types of illegal mass movements [of people] will not be accepted, that’s why we are working together with the neighbouring nations to address this as a regional issue,” the Guatemalan President’s office said in emailed comments.

Many clashed with Guatemalan security…