International
A fire advances uncontrolly and forces the evacuation of thousands of people in California
A fire still uncontrolled has forced the evacuation of about 6,000 people and the closure of roads and schools due to the risk of rapid spread of the flames in the city of Malibu, in western California.
The fire, known as Franklin, has burned more than 2,200 acres in less than 24 hours and spread along the Pacific coast, forcing the closure of all schools until new in central and east Malibu, where more than 10,000 inhabitants reside, the California Fire Department (FireCal) reported.
Firefighters are working against the clock to extinguish the flames, which originated last night at the height of the Malibu Canyon highway and Malibu Creek State Park.
Effects of the Franklin fire in California
Near the area is the University of Pepperdine, which had to issue an eviction order at night among the campus staff due to the rapid expansion of the fire.
“All community members on the Malibu campus must take refuge in the Tyler Campus Center or in the Payson Library,” the center warned in a statement.
The road that crosses the Pacific coast has been closed to traffic between Carbon Canyon and Corral Canyon, in an attempt to facilitate evacuation tasks in the affected areas, FireCal added in its statement.
The National Weather Service maintains until Wednesday a red alert warning for strong gusts of wind in Los Angeles County and the neighboring Ventura, which could reach up to 120 km/h.
At the moment, the damage or victims that this fire may have caused, the origin of which is under investigation by the authorities, is unknown.
International
Venezuela mobilizes forces nationwide as tensions with U.S. rise
Venezuela’s armed forces launched a “massive” nationwide deployment on Tuesday in response to what the government calls “imperialist threats” from the United States, which continues its anti-drug military operation in the region and is preparing for the arrival of its most advanced aircraft carrier.
Since late August, U.S. forces have maintained a growing presence in the Caribbean to combat alleged drug trafficking originating from Colombia and Venezuela. The operation has resulted in the bombing of 20 vessels in international waters in the Caribbean and Pacific, leaving 76 people dead.
Venezuelan authorities claim the U.S. mission is aimed at toppling President Nicolás Maduro. While insisting he seeks peace, Maduro has repeatedly warned the country is prepared to defend itself and has frequently showcased military activities.
A statement from Venezuela’s Defense Ministry said the deployment includes land, air, naval, river and missile systems; armed forces units; the Bolivarian militia; and additional police, military and civilian defense structures.
State broadcaster VTV aired speeches from military leaders in various states, along with images of troops mobilizing and equipment being positioned.
However, analysts note that these frequent and highly publicized announcements do not always lead to visible operations on the ground.
On Monday, Maduro cautioned that Venezuela has the “strength and power” to respond to any aggression, including mobilizing civilians. “If imperialism were to strike and do harm, from the moment the order is given, the entire Venezuelan people would mobilize and fight,” he warned.
International
Jara: “Real toughness” means targeting drug money in Chile’s crime fight
Left-wing presidential candidate Jeannette Jara said during Chile’s final debate on Monday that the “real tough approach” to crime is to go after the financial networks behind drug trafficking and organized crime.
Rising crime, often linked in public discourse to a surge in irregular migration, has become the top concern among Chileans and has dominated the election campaign.
Although Chile’s homicide rate has nearly tripled over the past decade — from 2.5 to 6.7 per 100,000 inhabitants — the country remains one of the safest in Latin America, according to the United Nations.
“I want to call on the right-wing candidates to join us in targeting those who control the money behind drug trafficking and organized crime. That is real tough action,” Jara, who is favored to win Sunday’s first-round vote, declared during the debate.
All eight candidates faced off on Monday night in the final televised confrontation before the election.
Polls — unavailable since they were suspended on November 2 — indicate that far-right candidate José Antonio Kast is likely to finish second behind Jara, but would hold the advantage in a potential December 14 runoff.
Kast is expected to consolidate support from three other right-wing contenders: Evelyn Matthei, Johannes Kaiser and Franco Parisi.
International
Investigation widens after Michoacán mayor’s killer shot post-arrest
Mexico’s Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said Tuesday that the investigation into the killing of a popular mayor from the western state of Michoacán now also includes his security detail. The announcement comes after the governor said the alleged attacker — a 17-year-old — was shot dead after having already been detained.
“The municipal police officers who formed the mayor’s first security ring will give new statements,” García Harfuch said during the president’s daily morning press briefing, noting that includes the officer who admitted firing at the assailant.
He added that authorities are examining both the weapon that killed the attacker and the one that fatally shot the mayor. He did not clarify whether the 14 National Guard members assigned to the mayor’s protection are also under investigation.
Carlos Manzo, mayor of the city of Uruapan, about 400 kilometers west of Mexico City, was gunned down the night of November 1 while surrounded by dozens of people taking part in Day of the Dead festivities.
Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla said Monday that investigators are trying to determine why lethal force was used on the attacker and whether it was excessive. “The killer was detained and moments later there was a struggle and a single shot that killed the assailant,” he said.
Authorities are also reviewing “what happened that led to a lapse or weakening in the mayor’s security cordon,” the governor added, noting that the eight municipal bodyguards were personally chosen by Manzo.
Venezuela mobilizes forces nationwide as tensions with U.S. rise
Jara: “Real toughness” means targeting drug money in Chile’s crime fight
Investigation widens after Michoacán mayor’s killer shot post-arrest
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
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
Internacionales3 days agoEl Salvador sends medical Aid and relief teams to Jamaica after hurricane Melissa
-
International13 hours agoRecord cold wave freezes Eastern U.S., iguanas falling from trees in Florida
-
International5 days agoTrump says GOP ‘learned a lot’ after democratic election wins
-
International2 days agoFour dead, 44 injured in riot at Ecuador prison as gang violence intensifies
-
International2 days agoU.S. Senate holds emergency session as shutdown threatens economy
-
Internacionales3 days agoU.S. to restore ambassador-level relations with Bolivia after 17 years
-
International5 days agoPeru declares Mexico’s president Persona Non Grata over political asylum dispute
-
International5 days agoBolivia’s Jeanine Áñez freed after Supreme Court annuls her conviction
-
Internacionales3 days agoRodrigo Paz takes office in Bolivia, ending 20 years of Socialist Rule
-
International13 hours agoPeru opens new probe into ex-president Humala over killings and forced disappearances
-
International33 minutes agoUSS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Latin America amid rising U.S. military presence
-
International32 minutes agoInvestigation widens after Michoacán mayor’s killer shot post-arrest
-
International31 minutes agoJara: “Real toughness” means targeting drug money in Chile’s crime fight
-
International29 minutes agoVenezuela mobilizes forces nationwide as tensions with U.S. rise