International
Biden emphasizes that US support for Israel against Iran is “steal”
US President Joe Biden stressed after meeting with his National Security team that the United States’ commitment to Israel against Iran is “stiron.”
The president accompanied his message in X with a photo of the meeting in the crisis room of the White House, known as the ‘Situation Room’, in which he is next to the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, among others.
Both Biden and Blinken, who appear from the front, are seen with a serious countenance, in a suit but without a tie.
The National Security team, an emergency meeting this Saturday afternoon, also included the director of the CIA, Bill Burns; the White House National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, and the head of the Joint Chief of Staff, Charles Brown, among others, as previously reported by the White House.
Biden had planned to spend the weekend at his beach residence in Delaware but returned unexpectedly just before the Iranian attack on Israel was confirmed.
That offensive comes in retaliation against Israel for the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that killed seven members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, in addition to destroying the building attached to the Tehran embassy, which was the residence of the Iranian ambassador.
US President Joe Biden assured the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, of his support against Iran. He assured that US forces have helped to stop that attack and advanced that he will summon his G7 counterparts to coordinate a diplomatic response.
“I have told him that Israel has demonstrated a remarkable ability to defend itself against and even defeat unprecedented attacks – sending a key message to its enemies that they cannot effectively threaten Israel’s security,” he said in a statement released by the White House.
The presidential statement assures that the United States helped Israel tonight to “smoill almost all incoming drones and missiles” launched by Iran or its allied militias in the region, which the Israeli Ministry of Defense quantified at just over 200.
Since the US Presidency, US support had been reaffirmed in recent days and this same Saturday, but this phone call offered the Democratic president the opportunity to communicate it directly to Netanyahu on the same day that Iran fulfilled its threat.
Biden pointed out that under his instructions, and to support the defense of Israel, last week the US Army moved planes and defense destroyers against ballistic missiles to the region.
The president condemned the Iranian attack “as firmly as possible.” He recalled that it originated, not only in Iran, but also in Yemen, Syria and Iraq, where Allied militias in Tehran operate.
This Sunday, according to Biden, the United States will summon the rest of the G7 leaders “to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.”
Biden added that although the United States has not recorded attacks against its forces or facilities this Saturday, it will remain vigilant about it and will not hesitate to “take the necessary steps” to protect its people.
The Pentagon reported that its forces in the Middle East remain in an alert position to protect its soldiers and allies after intercepting “dozens of missiles and drones aimed at Israel” launched by Iran and its allied militias.
“US forces in the Middle East on April 13 intercepted dozens of missiles and drones aimed at Israel launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Our forces remain deployed to protect US troops and our allies in the region, provide support to Israeli defense and promote regional stability,” U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement.
The head of the Pentagon condemned “the unprecedented and irresponsible attacks” of Iran and its allies, and asked them to stop any plan for new attacks and reduce the escalation of tension with Israel.
“We are not looking for the conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and in support of the defense of Israel,” Austin said.
Former US President and electoral pre-candidate Donald Trump (2017-2021) showed the country’s support for Israel. He considered that Iran’s attack would not have occurred if he had been in the White House.
“UNITED STATES SUPPORTS ISRAEL!” he said on his social network, Truth Social.
The former Republican president added in another message on that same account that “the attack should never have been allowed to take place.” He emphasized that that “NEWR” is what would have happened if he were president.
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
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