International
U.S. Congress reveals a budget that cuts aid to UNRWA and strengthens the border
A group of legislators from the US Congress revealed on Thursday a budget agreement valued at $1.2 trillion that cuts aid to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) and strengthens the border with Mexico with more agents and funds for surveillance.
The budget package amounts to that amount because it aims to finance for the rest of the fiscal year, until September 30, such important departments as Defense, to which 886 billion dollars would be allocated, 3% more than last year.
Legislators are now entering a race against the clock to give the green light to the project before midnight on Friday, when the deadline for approving a new budget expires.
If it does not reach enough votes, the Administration must cease its activities, when it runs out of funds, something that in the United States is known as the “government closure.”
The legislative text reached after intense negotiations between leaders of the Republican party and the Democrat of both Houses and includes concessions to conservatives, such as the increase in the budget for “border security” and the withdrawal of United States funds from UNRWA until March 2025.
At the end of January, Washington “temporarily” paused funding to the UN agency, after Israel denounced that some of UNRWA employees were allegedly linked to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
The United States is the main donor of this UN agency, which provides assistance to the inhabitants of the Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the withdrawal of funding from the agency was described as “inhuman” by the Secretary General of Amnesty International, Agnes Callamard.
The agency opened an investigation to investigate these complaints and after a preliminary report was known, where it was concluded that the agency respects the “neutrality” principle, while Canada and Sweden decided to restore their financial support, which they had removed following the U.S. decision.
One of the points to reach the budget agreement was the financing of the Department of Homeland Security, because migration has become an important issue.
The project includes an increase in the capacity of detention centers for migrants, up to 42,000 beds, as well as money to hire more workers of the Border Patrol, increasing the staff by about 7,000 agents.
In turn, he proposes to reduce federal aid to non-profit organizations that help migrants by 20%, an idea that came from Republican legislators, who accuse these groups of “incenting” migration.
The text also indicates granting 12,000 special visas for Afghan citizens who have collaborated with the U.S. Government during the war in this country.
On the other hand, the agreement increases the salary of the military by 5.2% and allocates 300 million dollars in military aid to Ukraine, through the Pentagon’s Security Assistance program.
To be approved, the project needs the support of two-thirds of the Lower House. Members of the ultra wing of the Republican party, called Caucus de la Libertad, have said that they disagree.
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
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