12 killed in land dispute in western Guatemala

Twelve people have died in the village of Chiquix, 155 km (96 miles) east of the capital. In this village, a long-term land dispute caused a dispute between the residents of the two municipalities, according to Guatemalan authorities reports.

Officials said on Saturday that the victims included a female and three children.

One police officer was also killed and two more were injured during the armed clash.

Guatemalan national police said in a statement that they were involving leaders from two communities to prevent future violence.

The Human Rights Ombudsman office also recommended strengthening the presence of local police.

Land conflicts dating back more than 100 years have led the residents of the municipalities of Nauara and Santa Catalinaista Wakan to conflict with each other.