International
Number of migrants crossing the Darien reaches historic highs
February 10 |
The Colombian Ombudsman’s Office reported Friday that the number of migrants who have crossed the Darien Gap into Panama in search of North America has quadrupled, reaching historic highs.
According to the report, while in January 2022 the passage of 4,702 people had been reported, by the first month of 2023 this figure rose to 21,307 migrants, most of them Haitians, Ecuadorians, Venezuelans, Chinese and Indians.
In view of this situation, the Ombudsman, Carlos Camargo, called on the governments of Colombia and Panama to address the situation of migrants in order to reduce the risk of rights violations.
“It is urgent that the authorities implement actions to attend to this population group together with the transit and host communities, which means establishing medical care points, assistance for children and the elderly, as well as controls by the authorities so that migrants do not become victims of migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks, among other risks associated with migratory processes,” said Camargo.
The official made “a call to the Ministry of Transportation and the Superintendence of Transportation to intensify surveillance and controls on the mechanical condition and permits of the buses that are transporting migrants, and avoid situations such as the accident of a special transport bus in the Llorona Canyon, between the municipalities of Dabeiba and Mutatá, which was carrying 38 migrants”.
Camargo was referring to the controls on those who offer transportation services to migrants to take them to the Colombian town of Necoclí, the last step before reaching neighboring Acandí, Colombia, the entry point to the Darién Gap.
The nationalities that crossed this dangerous jungle corridor linking South America with Central America in 2022 were Venezuelans, with 150,327; Ecuadorians, 29,356; Haitians, 22,435; Cubans, 5,961; and Colombians, 5,064. Other persons of extra-continental and Caribbean origin accounted for a total of 247,284 migrants.
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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