In 1981 a group of Mayan community leaders marched to Guatemala City to non-violently protest government oppression of native people. The government's response – burning down the Embassy the group had occupied – marked the beginning of a two-year reign of terror, in which the Guatemalan army systematically brutalized Mayan communities. Villagers were rounded up and murdered, or attacked when already gathered for celebrations. None were spared. People of all ages were subjected to brutal torture, and covert operations run by the army, supported throughout with weapons and training from the USA, carried out planned executions and forced disappearances. From 1981 to 1983, more than 200,000 Mayans were killed or disappeared, and 1.5 million displaced from their homes.