Central America
U.S. Ambassador Congratulates the Government of El Salvador on its Economic Re-opening

The United States Ambassador to El Salvador, Ronald Johnson, congratulated the government of President Nayib Bukele on the dialogue and integration panel for the economic reopening.
The Ambassador highlighted the meeting between the Government, Mayors, and productive sectors of the country.
“I want to congratulate the government of #ElSalvador, Mayors and members of the Private Sector for sharing perspectives on the best way to reopen the economy. We support them 100%,” said the U.S. Ambassador on his Twitter account.
Central America
Guatemala arrests first escaped gang member after Barrio 18 prison break

Guatemala’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed early Monday the arrest of one of the 20 inmates affiliated with the Barrio 18 gang who escaped from prison over the weekend, a situation authorities uncovered after conducting an inmate count.
The detainee, identified as Byron Eduardo Fajardo Revolorio, also known as “Black Demon,” was captured early Monday in the eastern department of Santa Rosa, along with members of his family.
On Sunday, the national prison system reported that 20 inmates were missing following an inspection at the facility. The U.S. government designated Barrio 18 as a terrorist organization in September, citing its role in widespread violence and insecurity across the region.
In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala described the mass escape as “completely unacceptable” and urged authorities to swiftly recapture all fugitives.
Interior Minister Francisco Jiménez confirmed to The Associated Press that he had dismissed the director of the National Penitentiary System, Ludin Godínez, as well as the warden of the facility where the escape occurred. Complaints have been filed to determine those responsible.
During a press conference, Jiménez added that nine officials in total were removed from their posts, including directors and deputy directors of the Fraijanes II, Mariscal Zavala, Izabal, and Renovación I prisons.
The minister also warned that, following the U.S. designation of Barrio 18 as a terrorist group, anyone found aiding its members will face prosecution. He announced rewards of up to $20,000 for information leading to the capture of each escaped inmate.
Central America
Fraijanes II prison in Guatemala reports gradual escape of 18th Street gang inmates

The Director of the Guatemalan Penitentiary System, Ludin Astolfo Godínez, confirmed the escape of 20 members of the 18th Street gang who were serving sentences at the Fraijanes II Preventive Detention Center for Men.
During a press conference on Sunday, Godínez stated that the escape was not simultaneous, but occurred gradually, in pairs or individually. Authorities are still investigating the exact details of how the incident took place.
The official noted that a headcount revealed the absence of 20 inmates, all affiliated with the 18th Street gang.
Godínez also indicated that corruption or bribery may have facilitated the escape, and investigations are ongoing to clarify this aspect.
“This is an escape from justice. The inmates bypassed the control, registration, and security systems. There may have been involvement from administrative personnel responsible for their custody, and we will not rule that out,” said Godínez.
Central America
U.S. suspends Venezuela talks as Trump considers next phase of military campaign

U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended diplomatic efforts with Venezuela and instructed his special envoy, Richard Grenell, to halt all negotiations, a senior U.S. official confirmed on Monday. The move comes amid growing fears of a military escalation between the two countries and after Trump stated on Sunday that there were “no boats left in the Caribbean,” referring to previous attacks, adding that he might “have to start looking on land.”
Speaking from the Oval Office alongside senior military officials last Thursday, Trump directed Grenell to stop all diplomatic initiatives with Caracas. The decision, revealed later by a U.S. official, confirms that the administration has abandoned the diplomatic path for now.
When asked whether Trump was considering military action inside Venezuela, the official, quoted by Reuters, said the president had not yet decided whether to move his campaign into a second phase.
-
International5 days ago
Football world mourns Miguel Ángel Russo as tributes pour in
-
International4 days ago
María Corina Machado calls 2025 Nobel Peace prize a victory for venezuelan people
-
International1 day ago
Mexico reports 64 dead, 65 missing after devastating central region floods
-
Central America1 day ago
Guatemala arrests first escaped gang member after Barrio 18 prison break
-
International1 day ago
Venezuela calls for continued global pressure to secure ‘just peace’ for Palestine
-
International1 day ago
Pope Leo XIV to skip COP30 in Brazil but plans future visit, Lula confirms
-
International4 days ago
Netanyahu says Trump deserved 2025 Nobel Peace prize
-
International3 days ago
Peruvian president Jerí leads prison raids to tackle organized crime
-
International3 days ago
Venezuela launches ‘Independence 200’ defense plan amid U.S. naval presence
-
Central America2 days ago
Fraijanes II prison in Guatemala reports gradual escape of 18th Street gang inmates
-
International2 days ago
Heavy rains leave dozens dead in Hidalgo, Puebla, and Veracruz
-
International2 hours ago
Sheinbaum: Urgent to restore access to towns cut off by heavy rains
-
International1 hour ago
Armed forces target illegal mines in Northern Ecuador with bombing raids
-
International2 hours ago
Venezuelan media faces fresh restrictions after reporting on opposition leader’s Nobel win
-
International2 hours ago
Caracas shuts embassy in Oslo without explanation following Machado’s Nobel win