The group drove down the uneven dirt road in their armored van, feeling the suspension creak every time the tires hit the deep potholes. The glowing city lights of Guatemala faded behind them as they entered the dense countryside.
Tall trees flanked the road on both sides, forcing the driver to navigate the narrow path with the headlights turned off. He relied on his night vision goggles to see the obstacles ahead.
After a few miles, they approached a small airstrip hidden between the hills. A twin-engine airplane sat waiting on the cracked tarmac with its engines already running. The propellers spun fast, creating a loud hum that echoed through the trees. The van pulled to a stop just a few meters away from the aircraft.
The side door of the van slid open, and the leader stepped out first with an assault rifle held against his chest. He scanned the perimeter and checked the tree line for any signs of movement. Two other men stepped out of the van right after him.
