Central America
US Congressman Gaetz praises El Salvador’s transformation under President Bukele
Matthew Louis Gaetz, a Republican Congressman from the United States, highlighted in an interview how El Salvador, under the presidency of Nayib Bukele, has transitioned from a “failed state” to positioning itself as the Singapore of the Western Hemisphere.
The American official recalled his recent visit to the country for President Bukele’s inauguration ceremony, marking the beginning of his second term on June 1st.
“I just returned from El Salvador. I was at Bukele’s inauguration. He is one of the most impressive people I’ve ever met. I saw a country that was basically a failed state and now is positioned to be the Singapore of the Western Hemisphere,” Gaetz said.
He added that if El Salvador, with a population of 6 million, has managed to reach this position “by simply imprisoning 70,000 people, then I’m not convinced that Canada is so dominated by globalists that it can’t overcome them.”
President Bukele’s security strategy, implementing the Territorial Control Plan, reinforced by the state of emergency, is the most successful in the country’s history and an example to the world. Last year, the homicide rate closed at 2.4 per 100,000 inhabitants; there was also a decline in crimes such as extortion, robbery, theft, and assaults nationwide. By the end of the first quarter of 2024 (January-March), it was 1.5.
In response to the interviewer’s comments about the need for countries to choose leaders “who believe in their citizens and want to support them,” Congressman Gaetz noted, “That’s right, although it must be more enduring than that. It has to last longer than just one person, but I think in every great movement, there are people who become the vanguard.”
“I saw people in the congress [Legislative Assembly], in the government, in the diplomatic corps, for whom Bukelism is emerging as a concept […] and I think that’s what attracts the younger generation,” the congressman reflected.
He mentioned that President Bukele showed him a photo depicting how students in a public school no longer aspire to be gang members or thieves but rather police officers, chefs, and entrepreneurs. “Compare that with our situation,” he said, expressing his admiration for discovering in a Salvadoran karaoke that Father’s Day is celebrated throughout June.
Central America
Panama seizes over 1,200 drug packages in container bound for Lithuania
Authorities in Panama reported the seizure of 1,251 packages of suspected drugs hidden inside a shipping container bound for Lithuania, just days after intercepting another shipment of similar size headed to the same destination.
The Panama Public Prosecutor’s Office stated on social media that, through its Colón Drug Prosecutor’s Office and in coordination with the National Anti-Drug Directorate, authorities carried out the operation. The illicit substance was discovered inside a container scheduled for export.
Last Friday, officials also seized 1,506 packages of drugs in another container destined for Lithuania.
While authorities have not specified the type or exact weight of the seized substance, drug packages in Panama typically weigh around one kilogram each, and cocaine remains the most commonly confiscated narcotic in the country.
So far this year, Panamanian authorities have reported multiple drug seizures. Among them was a shipment of 5,356 packages intercepted on January 17, when agents of the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) stopped a vessel near the Pearl Islands archipelago in the Pacific.
According to official figures, in 2025 Panama seized 129 tons of drugs and 47.8 tons of chemical precursors, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat international drug trafficking.
Central America
Guatemala narrows emergency measures to hardest-hit gang violence areas
The government of Guatemala has narrowed the scope of its state of emergency to the areas most affected by gang violence, Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda announced on Thursday.
The measure comes two months after coordinated attacks attributed to the Barrio 18 left 11 police officers dead.
President Bernardo Arévalo initially imposed a state of siege in mid-January following the violence, which was reportedly in retaliation for government intervention in three prisons where gang leaders had staged uprisings.
That measure, which allowed arrests without a warrant, expired after one month. It was then replaced by a less restrictive “state of prevention,” alongside an increased security deployment in Guatemala City and surrounding areas.
According to Villeda, the state of prevention has been extended for two additional weeks but will now apply primarily to the central department of Guatemala — home to the capital — and Escuintla, which have recorded the highest levels of homicides and criminal activity.
“We need to continue these joint operations between the police and the military to maintain control,” the minister said.
The measure will also remain in effect in border departments including Petén, San Marcos and Huehuetenango, which border Mexico, as well as Izabal, which borders Honduras and Belize, in an effort to prevent the entry of criminal groups linked to drug trafficking.
Villeda added that in the past two weeks, homicides have dropped by 25% and extortion cases by 33% compared to the same period in 2025.
Central America
Costa Rica closes embassy in Cuba, citing human rights concerns
The government of Costa Rica announced on Wednesday the closure of its embassy in Cuba, a move that signals a further deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Foreign Minister Arnoldo André confirmed that Costa Rica has also requested the withdrawal of Cuban diplomatic personnel from San José, leaving only consular representation in place.
According to André, the decision is driven by concerns over the worsening human rights situation on the island, including increased repression against citizens and opposition figures.
He also noted that Cuba’s ongoing economic and social crisis—marked by shortages of food, medicine, and basic services—has made the operation of the embassy increasingly difficult.
President Rodrigo Chaves backed the measure, stating that his administration does not recognize the legitimacy of Cuba’s political system.
In response, the Cuban government rejected the decision, calling it a “unilateral” move taken under pressure from United States.
“Under pressure from the United States, Costa Rica has limited its relations with Cuba to consular matters,” Cuba’s Foreign Ministry said, describing the action as “arbitrary.”
Despite the diplomatic setback, Cuban authorities stated that historical ties between the two nations would endure.
German president says trust in U.S. leadership is ‘lost’ amid global tensions
Trump claims talks with Iran as G7 meets to address global tensions
Pentagon to deploy 3,000 troops to Persian Gulf as Middle East tensions escalate
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
-
Sin categoría2 days agoTehran engulfed in toxic cloud after strikes on fuel facilities
-
International2 days agoIEA warns Middle East conflict could spark worst energy crisis in decades
-
International2 days agoColombian Air Force Hercules plane crashes during takeoff with troops onboard
-
Central America2 days agoPanama seizes over 1,200 drug packages in container bound for Lithuania
-
International1 day agoTrump claims talks with Iran as G7 meets to address global tensions
-
International3 days agoNetanyahu vows to target Iran’s leadership after missile strikes in southern Israel
-
International3 days agoParis prosecutors alert U.S. over alleged deepfake strategy linked to Elon Musk
-
International1 day agoIsrael plans to seize security zone in southern Lebanon amid escalating conflict
-
International1 day agoPentagon to deploy 3,000 troops to Persian Gulf as Middle East tensions escalate
-
International1 day agoGerman president says trust in U.S. leadership is ‘lost’ amid global tensions