Central America
Guatemala: Volcano of Fuego activity increases
May 4 |
In the Special Volcanological Bulletin BEFGO #019-2023, issued at 5:10 a.m. Insivumeh details that the volcanic surveillance network and reports from Insivumeh field observers confirm a progressive increase in the volcanic activity of Volcán de Fuego as of 2:00 a.m. this Thursday.
“So far a new eruptive stage of predominantly effusive characteristics has been observed, which is expressed through the formation of a lava flow in the direction of the Ceniza ravine,” reads the bulletin.
It adds that the eruptions generate constant avalanches, incandescence over the crater and constant sounds are reported accompanying the gas and ash column that so far is dispersed in a southwest direction.
“This activity is expected to increase in the next minutes to hours, forming gas and ash columns of greater height, violent explosions loaded with ash, lava flows in other directions and pyroclastic flows towards the Ceniza and Las Lajas ravines, which may travel distances between 5 and 7 kilometers. It is not discarded that these flows also descend by any other ravine, so you should not stay near or within the ravines of the volcano,” it is mentioned.
According to Insivumeh, it maintains permanent visual and instrumental surveillance through seismic stations and OVFGO observers.
According to the SSG, during the early morning of May 4, an increase of activity in the Fuego volcano was observed through the Crelosa camera.
It points out that this activity has originated an accumulation of volcanic material in the direction of the Ceniza ravine, forming a lava flow in this area.
He adds that the activity persists “with moderate and strong explosions that generate ballistic fall, ash columns and rumblings that are sensitive to the population located in the surroundings of the volcano. Due to the constant activity, avalanches and pyroclastic flows may be generated in this and other directions”.
He points out that the ash dispersion, according to the wind direction record, shows ash displacement in a southwest direction. The maximum projected length according to wind speed is 8 km for deposits that can reach up to 10 mm in thickness and 30 km for those areas that can be affected by deposits of up to 1 mm.
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.
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