Central America
Guatemala issues arrest warrant for Lev Tahor Leader, Interpol launches international alert
Interpol issued an international red alert on Friday for the extradition of Johathan Emmanuel Cardona Castillo, the alleged leader of the orthodox Jewish sect Lev Tahor, who also faces a warrant for his arrest in Guatemala.
The alert was confirmed by the Guatemalan Public Ministry and the National Civil Police, which accuse Cardona of human trafficking, including forced pregnancy, rape, and child abuse charges.
In the Interpol notice, Cardona is described as a 23-year-old man, born in La Libertad, El Salvador, in April 2001. He holds both Salvadoran and Guatemalan nationality. He is 1.7 meters (5.5 feet) tall, weighs approximately 85 kilograms (187 pounds), with black hair and eyes. He speaks both Spanish and Hebrew.
The Lev Tahor community arrived in Guatemala in 2013, settling in the country after fleeing Canadian authorities. The following year, residents of San Juan La Laguna, in the Sololá department, expelled them. Since then, rumors about alleged abuse of minors have been circulating.
Central America
Two Guatemalan soldiers die in helicopter crash during anti-drug operation in Ixcán
Two Guatemalan soldiers supporting an anti-narcotics operation died on Sunday when the helicopter they were flying crashed in a remote area in northwestern Guatemala, near the Mexican border, according to the Army and the Attorney General’s Office.
Captain Luis González, the pilot, and Lieutenant Elvis Álvarez, the co-pilot, died after the helicopter crashed into the Chixoy River in the municipality of Ixcán, approximately 150 km northwest of Guatemala City, the Armed Forces said in a statement.
The aircraft, which suffered an “accidental mishap,” took off from a base in the capital and was in the area “as part of the operations supporting public security forces,” the Army added.
The helicopter was en route to Ixcán to pick up police officers, prosecutors, and officials who were inspecting a burned aircraft that had allegedly been used hours earlier to transport drugs, said Moisés Ortiz, spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office.
Ortiz explained that the helicopter “likely collided with high-tension power lines, which caused the crash.”
Videos released by local media showed the helicopter flying at low altitude over the river before falling into the water.
With the help of local drug traffickers, international cartels use Guatemala and the rest of Central America as a transit route for drugs heading to Mexico and the United States.
According to Washington, 90% of the cocaine entering the U.S. passes through Mexico and Central America by land vehicles, small aircraft, boats, and submarines.
Central America
Honduras receives two Airbus H-145 D3 helicopters to strengthen humanitarian and anti-drug efforts
Honduras received two Airbus H-145 D3 helicopters on Friday, purchased from Germany, which join the two delivered in October. These helicopters will be used for humanitarian missions, rescue operations, environmental protection, and combating drug trafficking.
The European-made aircraft were received by the Honduran Secretary of Defense, Rixi Moncada; the head of the Armed Forces, General Roosevelt Hernández; and the Commander of the Air Force, Guillermo Rosales.
“This event is historic, as it has been since 1985 that such a fleet of helicopters has been acquired as part of the Social Investment Program of President Xiomara Castro’s government,” said Moncada at a public ceremony.
The helicopters were purchased due to the “urgency” expressed by the Honduran Armed Forces to “address emergency situations caused by natural disasters and combat environmental crimes. The versatility of the helicopters will also allow their use in combating drug trafficking,” stated the Ministry of Defense.
Central America
Sheinbaum and Petro reaffirm solidarity with Panama after Trump’s remarks on Canal
Latin American leaders expressed their support for Panama and emphasized the nation’s sovereignty over the canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, following statements by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who suggested he might attempt to regain control of the waterway built across the Panamanian isthmus.
“The Panama Canal belongs to the Panamanians. Our solidarity and support go to the President of Panama and the people of Panama,” said Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, during her regular morning press conference.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro also weighed in on the controversy, writing on social media X, “I will stand with Panama and defend its sovereignty to the last consequences.”
Sheinbaum and Petro reaffirmed their support for Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who strongly rejected Trump’s threats. The president-elect, who will take office on January 20, stated during a rally that the United States “foolishly” handed over the Panama Canal to its Central American ally.
The United States built much of the Panama Canal in the early 20th century in an effort to facilitate the movement of commercial and military ships across the transoceanic route, which it then administered for nearly 100 years.
Random attack in NYC Subway: Man pushed onto tracks and struck by train
Trinidad and Tobago Declares State of Emergency Amid Surge in Criminal Activity
Azerbaijan claims Russian air defense hit plane before crash, investigation promised
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
Ecuador prison riot leaves at least 43 dead
-
Central America4 days agoHonduras receives two Airbus H-145 D3 helicopters to strengthen humanitarian and anti-drug efforts
-
International4 days agoU.S. health authorities report mutation of avian flu virus in Louisiana patient
-
International4 days agoMachado appeals to venezuelan military and police to join the change for freedom
-
International4 days agoJosé Mujica’s recovery continues with successful stent procedure in esophagus
-
International4 days agoPreliminary Investigation Suggests ‘External Interference’ in Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash in Kazakhstan
-
International3 days agoShark attack kills 40-year-old fisherman in Great Barrier Reef waters
-
Internacionales3 days agoAt least 15 bodies found in clandestine graves in Chiapas amid rising violence
-
International2 days agoPeru closes 101 ports as powerful waves hit coastlines, leaving damage in Ecuador
-
Central America2 days agoTwo Guatemalan soldiers die in helicopter crash during anti-drug operation in Ixcán
-
International2 days ago
Azerbaijan claims Russian air defense hit plane before crash, investigation promised
-
International11 hours agoTrinidad and Tobago Declares State of Emergency Amid Surge in Criminal Activity
-
International11 hours agoRandom attack in NYC Subway: Man pushed onto tracks and struck by train