International
Colombia and ELN begin second negotiation cycle in Mexico
February 13 |
The delegations of the Colombian government and the guerrillas of the National Liberation Army ELN begin on Monday the second cycle of dialogues in Mexico City, with a view to the possibility of establishing a bilateral ceasefire.
The Office of the Colombian High Commissioner for Peace stated that they are sure that “progress will be made on the agreed issues and at the end of the talks the leadership of the Dialogue Table, the support of the international community and the confidence of the Colombian society in the process will be strengthened”.
He also informed that Sweden, Germany, Switzerland and Spain will accompany the installation of this second cycle.
According to the Government, the National Police will join the Military Forces observers, “thus completing the full participation of the armed forces”.
Another issue to be defined at this stage is the participation of Colombian civil society in the process.
Iván Cepeda, a member of the government’s peace delegation, told The Associated Press that before discussing the ceasefire and participation, they will be ready to settle other pending issues such as the agenda of the talks and to report on how the agreements reached in the first cycle are being fulfilled, such as a “humanitarian caravan” that toured territories in conflict listening to the population in order to analyze how to de-escalate the violence.
The talks between the parties began in November 2022, under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro, who seeks, among his main objectives, to achieve total peace in his country, through rapprochement and negotiation with the armed groups.
International
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
A U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean killed three people on Saturday, according to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, marking the latest in a series of attacks in international waters.
The United States has deployed ships to the Caribbean and sent fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a large military force that Washington says is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
“This vessel, like all the others, was known to our intelligence for being involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,” Hegseth stated on X. “Three narcoterrorists were aboard the vessel during the attack, which took place in international waters,” he added.
Experts argue that the attacks, which began in early September, amount to extrajudicial executions, even if the targets are known traffickers.
Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the targeted individuals were actively smuggling drugs or posed a threat to the United States.
Hegseth said the U.S. would continue “hunting… and killing” suspected traffickers. He also shared video footage of the strike, showing the vessel being hit and engulfed in flames. As in previous videos, sections of the ship were blurred, making it impossible to verify the number of people on board.
The United Nations called on Friday for Washington to halt its attacks.
International
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
At least 23 people were killed and 11 others injured in an explosion at a supermarket in Hermosillo, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, local authorities reported on Saturday.
“So far, there are 23 confirmed deaths and 11 injured, including minors,” said Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo in a video message. He added that the injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.
“I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and assign responsibility where appropriate,” Durazo said.
The explosion occurred at a Waldo’s store in downtown Hermosillo. Local authorities confirmed that the incident was not an attack nor related to any violent act against civilians.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on X, offering sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
International
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 28, with six people reported missing and 43 injured, local newspaper VnExpress reported Friday night.
More than 22,100 homes remain flooded, primarily in the cities of Hue and Da Nang. Floods and landslides have destroyed or swept away 91 houses and damaged another 181, the report added.
Around 245,000 households are still without electricity, particularly in Da Nang, where over 225,000 homes are affected.
Additionally, 80 stretches of national highways are blocked or disrupted due to landslides. Authorities expect the flooding to continue for another day or two in the region.
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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