International

Colombia commends Panama and US for migrant repatriation efforts in Darién

On Monday, Colombia acknowledged the “efforts” of Panama and the United States in the “repatriation” of migrants traversing the Darién jungle border as part of policies that “contribute to a coordinated management of irregular migration.”

Until now, the Colombian government had refrained from supporting restrictive measures in the dangerous border jungle, such as the closure of certain crossings or the deportation of migrants that began last week from Panama.

Following a meeting in Cartagena (northern Colombia), the three governments issued a joint statement recognizing a “shared responsibility” in managing the exodus toward the United States and highlighted their “long history of collaboration” on the matter.

“Panama has increased its capacity for the repatriation program… These regional efforts, along with the United States, contribute to a coordinated management of irregular migration,” stated the joint communiqué from Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha, and US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

In an interview with AFP in May, Murillo had advocated for “more humanitarian solutions” for migrants and stated that Colombia’s leftist government “would not support border closures, especially not the Darién border.”

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Last week, Panama deported around 60 Colombians, implementing for the first time a migration agreement signed with the United States in July.

That month, the Central American country closed three border crossings in the Darién, fulfilling one of the campaign promises of Panama’s new president, José Raúl Mulino.

International

Oil prices surge again as Middle East tensions persist

Oil prices climbed again on Friday for a second consecutive session, as markets remained concerned about a prolonged conflict in the Middle East with no tangible diplomatic progress.

North Sea Brent crude for May delivery rose 4.22% to close at $112.57 per barrel.

Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) approached the $100 mark, settling at $99.64, up 5.46%.

The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to delay by ten days his ultimatum for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz failed to reassure market participants.

“It means there will be ten additional days of disruptions in the Middle East for crude and refined product flows,” said Andy Lipow, of Lipow Oil Associates.

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“For prices to come down, a resolution to the conflict is necessary,” Lipow added. “And even in the event of a ceasefire, it is not certain that Iran would allow oil shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”

International

Young Spanish Woman Receives Euthanasia After Legal Battle, Sparking Debate

A 25-year-old Spanish woman, Noelia Castillo, received euthanasia on Thursday following a prolonged legal dispute with her father.

She passed away at a care center in Sant Pere de Ribes, about 40 kilometers from Barcelona, where she had been living for some time, according to Spanish media reports.

In an interview broadcast a day earlier on Antena 3, Castillo expressed her exhaustion after enduring prolonged suffering. She indicated that her decision was influenced by a combination of personal circumstances and health-related challenges, including family conflicts and a condition of paraplegia following a previous incident that left her with lasting physical consequences.

Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021, becoming one of the few countries that allow patients under strict conditions to seek medical assistance to end their lives in order to avoid what the law defines as unbearable suffering.

The case has reignited debate in Spain over the ethical, legal, and family dimensions surrounding euthanasia, as well as the broader issue of support for individuals in vulnerable situations.

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International

Over 300 U.S. Troops Wounded Since Start of Iran Conflict, CENTCOM Says

More than 300 U.S. service members have been injured since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28, the United States Central Command confirmed on Friday.

“Since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 303 U.S. service members have been wounded. The vast majority of these injuries are minor, and 273 troops have already returned to duty,” said U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to AFP, indicated that 10 American troops remain seriously injured.

According to the latest figures, an additional 13 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began, including seven in the Gulf region and six in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces warned on Friday that hotels hosting U.S. troops in the region could be considered legitimate military targets.

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“When U.S. forces enter a hotel, from our perspective that hotel becomes American,” said armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi in remarks broadcast on state television.