The Guatemalans had been embroiled in a bloody civil war lasting from the early 60's. The situation in the country had become extremely tense during the 80's and the government was overthrown in 1982. General Efraín Ríos Montt was named President of the military junta, continuing the bloody campaign of torture, forced disappearances, and "Scorched Earth" warfare. Internationally, the country became a pariah state.