Why did the United States cut military assistance to Guatemala in 1977?

In 1977, the United States, under the administration of President Jimmy Carter, cut off military assistance to Guatemala due to the country's ongoing human rights violations.12

This decision reflected a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy during the early years of the Carter presidency, which prioritized the promotion of international human rights. At the time, the Guatemalan government was engaged in repressive measures, including the use of death squads linked to the military and police to eliminate political opponents, as part of its efforts to combat leftist guerrilla movements.312