International
At least 409 minors were recruited in Colombia in 2024, according to the Ombudsman’s Office
At least 409 minors were recruited by armed groups in Colombia in 2024, with the Central General Staff (EMC) of the FARC dissidents being the group with the most cases, as reported on Tuesday by the Ombudsman’s Office.
“With pain we inform that last year we reported 409 boys and girls recruited, 300 in (the department of) Cauca. Last year we had closed with the alarming number of 342,” reported the ombudsman, Iris Marín.
More than half of the children and adolescents recruited are indigenous, especially from Cauca.
“The group identified with the greatest responsibility is that of the dissidents of the so-called ‘Central General Staff’,” the defender added.
In the vast majority of cases, the dissidence of the FARC that recruited them cannot be specified, but after the EMC, which recruited a total of 135 minors, the next group with the most recruitments was the ELN with nine cases.
Of the 409 cases, 61% are boys and 39% are girls, although the Ombudsman’s Office admits that there is an under-registration of cases, so the magnitude and alleged responsibilities cannot be concluded.
Throughout 2024, the Police managed to rescue 34 children and adolescents who forcibly recruited armed groups.
The Army, for its part, rescued 447 minors last year, especially in the department of Cauca, where dissidents have the most presence and where 72 children and adolescents were recovered.
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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