International

Former Uruguayan President José Mujica, who has a gastrostomy, is operated on

The former president of Uruguay José Mujica was operated on this Saturday in the sanatorium where he was hospitalized, where he had a gatrostomy for feeding.

This was indicated in a press conference by his personal doctor, Raquel Pannone, who stressed that the procedure was carried out in the morning hours, its result was “excellent” and the former president is recovering accompanied by his wife, Lucía Topolansky.

“The situation, as I told you 48 hours ago, was to try to achieve oral feeding in the best conditions, with the right preparation. We tried to do it and the result was not entirely satisfactory,” said the doctor, who added that that led them to make the decision to climb a new step and do a gastrostomy for feeding.

What is the purpose of the intervention with former President Mujica?

“This gastrostomy allows us safe access for food and hydration, with a good flow and to be able to allow, while this happens, the esophagus can be repaired naturally. That’s what we bet on: to have it better nourished, well hydrated and give the esophagus time to fulfill the natural stages of recovery,” Pannone said.

He added that it is not known how long this process will take and that it will depend on its nature and evolution. He also added that when it ends, Mujica will return to a normal diet.

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Meanwhile, the doctor explained, the former president will be fed with certain preparations or with foods with an adequate consistency.

“Progressively, we will continue to test oral tolerance and as soon as this is okay he will eat normally again,” Pannone reiterated, who added that Mujica will remain hospitalized for a few more days.

Boarding since Thursday

The former president who arrived this Thursday at a sanatorium in Montevideo, has been under rehydration due to the little liquid intake he was receiving.

This was explained that day by Pannone in a press conference in which he indicated that the former president has a fibrosis in the esophagus as a result of the radiotherapy treatment he received in that area, which generates difficulties in feeding.

“’Pepe’ is back in the sanatorium. The cause of the transfer to the sanatorium this time has to do with the fat that he was receiving very little liquid intake at home by oral route and he was not receiving enough food. That was the reason for moving it,” the doctor pointed out.

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He added that he was tested and he began to be rehydrated intravenously.

Last week, the former president had already entered the sanatorium after having difficulties feeding himself due to the radiotherapy treatment he received months ago, as a result of a malignant tumor in the esophagus.

International

Oil prices surge again as Middle East tensions persist

Oil prices climbed again on Friday for a second consecutive session, as markets remained concerned about a prolonged conflict in the Middle East with no tangible diplomatic progress.

North Sea Brent crude for May delivery rose 4.22% to close at $112.57 per barrel.

Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) approached the $100 mark, settling at $99.64, up 5.46%.

The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to delay by ten days his ultimatum for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz failed to reassure market participants.

“It means there will be ten additional days of disruptions in the Middle East for crude and refined product flows,” said Andy Lipow, of Lipow Oil Associates.

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“For prices to come down, a resolution to the conflict is necessary,” Lipow added. “And even in the event of a ceasefire, it is not certain that Iran would allow oil shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”

International

Young Spanish Woman Receives Euthanasia After Legal Battle, Sparking Debate

A 25-year-old Spanish woman, Noelia Castillo, received euthanasia on Thursday following a prolonged legal dispute with her father.

She passed away at a care center in Sant Pere de Ribes, about 40 kilometers from Barcelona, where she had been living for some time, according to Spanish media reports.

In an interview broadcast a day earlier on Antena 3, Castillo expressed her exhaustion after enduring prolonged suffering. She indicated that her decision was influenced by a combination of personal circumstances and health-related challenges, including family conflicts and a condition of paraplegia following a previous incident that left her with lasting physical consequences.

Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021, becoming one of the few countries that allow patients under strict conditions to seek medical assistance to end their lives in order to avoid what the law defines as unbearable suffering.

The case has reignited debate in Spain over the ethical, legal, and family dimensions surrounding euthanasia, as well as the broader issue of support for individuals in vulnerable situations.

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International

Over 300 U.S. Troops Wounded Since Start of Iran Conflict, CENTCOM Says

More than 300 U.S. service members have been injured since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28, the United States Central Command confirmed on Friday.

“Since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 303 U.S. service members have been wounded. The vast majority of these injuries are minor, and 273 troops have already returned to duty,” said U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to AFP, indicated that 10 American troops remain seriously injured.

According to the latest figures, an additional 13 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began, including seven in the Gulf region and six in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces warned on Friday that hotels hosting U.S. troops in the region could be considered legitimate military targets.

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“When U.S. forces enter a hotel, from our perspective that hotel becomes American,” said armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi in remarks broadcast on state television.