International
NGO reports more than 80 kidnappings in Haiti in the month of July
August 6|
The UN Center for Analysis and Research on Human Rights (Cardh, for its French acronym) reported about 83 cases of kidnappings in Haiti throughout the month of July, 23 of them in Bas Artibonite, a locality under the control of the gangs that plague the Caribbean nation.
The organization not only criticized the increase in the incidence of this scourge, but considered that it could be associated with a kind of response to the sanctions imposed on politicians and businessmen accused of supporting the criminal activities of armed groups.
Cardh directly accused the Vitelhomme Innocent gang, based in Tabarre, a commune in the north of the capital, whose spiral of violence caused the internal displacement of around 400 families, some 2,000 people, including 229 children under 17 years of age, an indication of the increase in violence by these criminal groups.
The United Nations agency called on the police forces to put in place concrete means to ensure the protection of citizens while awaiting the deployment of the international force commanded by Kenya, which is still subject to the acceptance of the Security Council.
He also considered that the international force should reinforce the police with materials, equipment and training of effective units. It should also provide state-of-the-art weapons, prison projects and standard police stations for the National Police once the foreign troops leave.
Since the end of April, the Caribbean country experienced a slight drop in violence with some decrease in kidnappings and killings, thanks to Operation Bwa Kale which eliminated suspected gang members. However, the number of victims increased considerably in recent days.
Human Rights platforms, such as the Citizens’ Organization for a New Haiti, reported this week 82 homicides during the whole month of July, which represents an increase of 44 percent compared to the previous month, underlining a spike in violence in the metropolitan area and in the Artibonite department.
International
Portuguese Authorities Seize 2.6 Tons of Cocaine Worth More Than $550 Million in Drug Bust
Italian financial police reported Monday that Portuguese authorities intercepted a speedboat carrying more than 2.6 tons of cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding $550 million.
Four people — two Spanish nationals, one Albanian citizen, and a man from Gibraltar — were arrested in connection with the operation, according to Italian authorities.
The vessel was intercepted off the coast of Lisbon by Portugal’s maritime police following an investigation led by Italian authorities.
Italian financial police estimated that the seized shipment had a street value of approximately 500 million euros ($570 million), making it one of the largest drug seizures reported in the region in recent years.
Portuguese authorities said the interception took place on Thursday, about 90 kilometers (50 nautical miles) southwest of Cape Espichel, during an operation targeting international drug trafficking routes.
International
U.S. and Iran Maintain Ceasefire as Trump Expresses Optimism Over New Talks
U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that there are “good chances” of reaching an agreement with Iran, as both sides maintained a ceasefire for the third consecutive day following weeks of escalating hostilities.
Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of resuming diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, which began in late February and has raised international concerns over its impact on global markets and energy supplies.
The fighting has remained suspended since Saturday, after the United States resumed airstrikes against Iran amid a dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments. The renewed military action had previously caused the collapse of an earlier ceasefire agreement.
Asked about the prospects for negotiations aboard Air Force One, Trump said: “I have a lot of patience… We’ll see what happens. I think there are good chances that something could happen.”
The U.S. president also highlighted Washington’s military capabilities, saying: “We have a lot of ammunition,” while adding that he would like to have more resources due to U.S. support for Ukraine.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Trump was allowing diplomatic efforts more time, explaining that the president was “giving some space to the talks” while maintaining that Washington remains prepared to take action if necessary.
Meanwhile, tensions continue in other areas of the Middle East. Saudi Arabia reported that it intercepted drones launched from Iraq by groups allied with Tehran and urged the Iraqi government to take measures to prevent further attacks.
International
Police Investigate After Remains of Five Newborns Found in French Apartment
French authorities have opened a murder investigation after the discovery of human remains believed to belong to five newborn babies inside an apartment in the historic center of a city, the local prosecutor’s office reported Monday night.
According to prosecutors, a 32-year-old woman had given birth at home on Sunday to a healthy baby before being taken to a hospital for medical care.
The discovery was made after the woman’s 32-year-old partner began searching the residence after reportedly learning, once again and at a late stage, that she had been pregnant.
During the search, the man found what appeared to be human remains and informed the hospital, which then alerted prosecutors.
A forensic doctor determined that the remains likely belonged to five newborn infants. Authorities have not yet established the circumstances or motive behind the case.
Investigators have not been able to interview the mother, who remains hospitalized following the delivery.
Prosecutors also confirmed that the couple has two other children, aged eight and nine years old. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to clarify the events surrounding the discovery.
Portuguese Authorities Seize 2.6 Tons of Cocaine Worth More Than $550 Million in Drug Bust
U.S. and Iran Maintain Ceasefire as Trump Expresses Optimism Over New Talks
Police Investigate After Remains of Five Newborns Found in French Apartment
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
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