International

Despite homicide drop, overall deadly violence remains high in Mexico: study

Violence in Mexico has risen by 70% over the past decade when not only intentional homicides but also femicides, disappearances and other crimes against life are taken into account, the organization México Evalúa said Monday as it presented a report challenging the government’s narrative of a significant drop in crime.

The document, titled “Violence in Mexico, 2015–2025: Data Analysis and Proposals for Peace,” was introduced by México Evalúa’s executive director, Mariana Campos. She explained that the study incorporates five key indicators of “lethal violence”: intentional homicide, negligent homicide, femicide, disappearances and other crimes against life. “How a problem is measured determines how it is addressed,” Campos said, adding that the aim of the report is not to dismiss the federal government’s strategy but to offer a broader view of violent phenomena.

According to the report, more than 72,000 incidents related to lethal violence were recorded in 2025, an increase of 68.2% compared with 2015. While official figures point to a 40% drop in intentional homicides since September 2024 — when Claudia Sheinbaum took office — the organization’s analysis suggests the overall reduction across all indicators is only about 8%.

Armando Vargas, coordinator of México Evalúa’s security program, said the study seeks to make visible all forms of deadly violence. “Although intentional homicide shows a recent decline, other crimes remain high and in some cases are even increasing,” he warned.

In detail, the report says intentional homicides have fallen 22.2% since 2024 but remain 30.7% above 2015 levels. By contrast, negligent homicide — usually linked to accidents — has increased 7.7% since 2015 and shows “anomalous growth” that could reflect problems in the classification of violent deaths.

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The category of “other crimes against life,” which includes incidents that are difficult to classify, has surged 370% over the past decade, with particularly sharp increases in states such as Baja California Sur (6,606%), Baja California (916%), Tabasco (694%) and Sinaloa (88%). According to Vargas, these figures may point to “statistical reclassifications” rather than a real decline in violence.

Femicide has dropped 15.5% since 2024 but still stands 68.5% above 2015 levels, especially in areas marked by impunity and the presence of organized crime, such as Sinaloa and Morelos.

As for disappearances, the report underscores their relevance as a method of concealing crimes. Although the figure has edged down 0.5% since 2024, the increase since 2015 amounts to 213%, with critical hotspots in Sinaloa (150%), Sonora (168%) and Baja California (5,728%).

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.