International

Violent events decrease in Colombia in second half of 2023

Photo: EFE

December 15 |

The Humanitarian Coordinator of Colombia reported Wednesday that in the second half of this year hostilities and attacks on civilians were reduced as a result of temporary ceasefires.

According to the report “Voices from the territories weave peace. Humanitarian Report”, between January 1 and December 5, 1,047 violent events against social leaders and human rights defenders were reported.

In this sense, the study of the platform made up of more than 700 social organizations pointed out that of the total number of events, 634 were registered in the first semester and 413 in the second, which represents a 34 percent decrease.

“The Humanitarian Report reiterates the need to advance in ceasefires and achieve a de-escalation of hostilities, which allows the protection of the lives of the population from the effects of the conflict”, states the balance.

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At the same time, it was reported that among the departments, sub-regions or regions most affected by these violent episodes are Cauca with 188, Caribe with 174, Antioquia with 114, Catatumbo with 87 and Arauca with 75.

Similarly, this year there were 634 possible violations of the temporary bilateral ceasefire, of which 436 events occurred in the first semester and 198 during the second.

Likewise, the report points out a set of guidelines “with the desire for a Colombia in peace”, among which stands out that of holding joint Public Hearings to the Peace and Human Rights commissions of the Congress of the Republic.

International

Lebanon reports deadly airstrikes: 40 killed in Bekaa, 12 in southern regions

The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced that 52 people were killed on Thursday due to Israeli airstrikes, with 40 of the fatalities occurring in the Bekaa Valley in the east and 12 more in the south.

“The enemy’s bombings in Baalbek district resulted in 40 deaths and 52 injuries,” the ministry stated, detailing casualty figures across 10 localities.

In two additional reports, the ministry noted “seven deaths and 24 injuries” in the Nabatieh region and “five deaths and 26 injuries” in other areas of southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah opened a front against Israel in solidarity with Hamas following the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023. The conflict began after Hamas launched an attack on Israeli territory.

International

Matt Gaetz withdraws from attorney general nomination amid political tensions

Congressman Matt Gaetz announced his withdrawal from consideration for the position of Attorney General of the United States, expressing gratitude to President-elect Donald Trump for his confidence in nominating him. Gaetz stated he is open to serving in other capacities within the Republican administration if given the opportunity.

In a post on the social media platform X, Gaetz thanked the senators who supported his nomination but explained his decision to step aside and focus on his congressional duties.

“Yesterday, I had excellent meetings with senators. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it’s clear that my confirmation was unjustly becoming a distraction from the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition,” Gaetz wrote this morning.

“There is no time to waste on an unnecessarily prolonged fight in Washington, so I will withdraw my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. The Trump Department of Justice must be ready and in place on day one,” he added.

International

Trump appoints Pam Bondi as future U.S. attorney general

President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, announced on Thursday the appointment of a trusted ally, Pam Bondi, as the future Attorney General. Bondi previously served as a key member of Trump’s defense team during his 2020 impeachment trial.

“I am honored to announce the former Attorney General of the great state of Florida, Pam Bondi, as our next Attorney General,” Trump wrote on his social platform, Truth Social, shortly after the withdrawal of Congressman Matt Gaetz from consideration.

“She is smart, tough, and a fighter who puts America first,” Trump stated.

The President-elect criticized the current state of the Department of Justice, describing it as a partisan weapon used against him and other Republicans. “For too long, the partisan DOJ has been weaponized against me and other Republicans,” he said.

Bondi, Trump added, will refocus the department on “fighting crime and making America safe again.”