The United States and Mexico withdrew their joint bid for the 2027 Women's World Cup on Monday, just weeks before FIFA is due to vote to award the tournament at a meeting in Bangkok.

In a joint statement from the US and Mexico football federations, the two governing bodies said they would now switch focus towards mounting a successful bid for the 2031 tournament.

The shock decision comes as FIFA officials prepare to hold a vote at the global governing body's Congress in Bangkok on May 17 to decide the 2027 hosts.

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The US and Mexico withdrawal leaves two rival bids vying for the tournament -- a joint bid from Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands and a solo bid from Brazil.

The end of the US-Mexico bid came after FIFA said earlier on Monday that the 2027 tournament hosts would for the first time be decided by an open vote when the FIFA Congress convenes in Thailand next month.

The US had been bidding to stage the women's football flagship event for the third time after hosting the tournament successfully on its own in 1999 and 2003.

Had the US-Mexico bid for 2027 been successful, it would have meant another large-scale sporting event taking place in North America in what has become a crowded calendar for the region.

The United States, Mexico and Canada are already gearing up to stage the men's 2026 World Cup, while Los Angeles is preparing to host the 2028 Olympics.&nbsp;

The United States is also due to host next year's expanded FIFA Club World Cup, and is also staging this year's 16-team Copa America.

US Soccer said waiting until 2031 would give tournament organizers more breathing space to plan for the tournament while absorbing lessons from the region's staging of the 2026 men's World Cup.

"Hosting a World Cup tournament is a huge undertaking -- and having additional time to prepare allows us to maximize its impact across the globe," US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement.&nbsp;

"I'm proud of our commitment to provide equitable experiences for the players, fans and all our stakeholders.&nbsp;

"Shifting our bid will enable us to host a record-breaking Women's World Cup in 2031 that will help to grow and raise the level of the women's game both here at home as well as across the globe." &nbsp;

Mexico Football Federation chief Ivar Sisniega echoed Parlow Cone's position.

"After careful analysis we feel that moving our bid back to 2031 will allow us to promote and build up to the most successful Women's World Cup ever," Sisniega said.&nbsp;

"The strength and universality of our professional women's leagues, coupled with our experience from organizing the 2026 World Cup, means that we will be able to provide the best infrastructure as well as an enthusiastic fan base that will make all the participating teams feel at home and to put together a World Cup that will contribute to the continued growth of women's football." 

Last year's women's World Cup was held in Australia and New Zealand.&nbsp;

The last time the tournament was held in North America was when Canada hosted in 2015.

The USA are the most successful nation in the women's game having won the World Cup on four occasions.

The United States and Mexico withdrew their joint bid for the 2027 Women's World Cup on Monday, just weeks before FIFA is due to vote to award the tournament at a meeting in Bangkok.

The United States and Mexico withdrew their joint bid for the 2027 Women's World Cup on Monday, just weeks before FIFA is due to vote to award the tournament at a meeting in Bangkok. In a joint statement from the US and Mexico football federations, the two governing bodies said they would now switch focus towards mounting a successful bid for the 2031 tournament. The shock decision comes as FIFA officials prepare to hold a vote at the global governing body's Congress in Bangkok on May 17 to decide the 2027 hosts. Also Read: Harry Kane sets new personal best for most goals scored in a season; eyes Lewandowski's Bundesliga record The US and Mexico withdrawal leaves two rival bids vying for the tournament -- a joint bid from Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands and a solo bid from Brazil. The end of the US-Mexico bid came after FIFA said earlier on Monday that the 2027 tournament hosts would for the first time be decided by an open vote when the FIFA Congress convenes in Thailand next month. The US had been bidding to stage the women's football flagship event for the third time after hosting the tournament successfully on its own in 1999 and 2003. Had the US-Mexico bid for 2027 been successful, it would have meant another large-scale sporting event taking place in North America in what has become a crowded calendar for the region. The United States, Mexico and Canada are already gearing up to stage the men's 2026 World Cup, while Los Angeles is preparing to host the 2028 Olympics. The United States is also due to host next year's expanded FIFA Club World Cup, and is also staging this year's 16-team Copa America. US Soccer said waiting until 2031 would give tournament organizers more breathing space to plan for the tournament while absorbing lessons from the region's staging of the 2026 men's World Cup. "Hosting a World Cup tournament is a huge undertaking -- and having additional time to prepare allows us to maximize its impact across the globe," US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement. "I'm proud of our commitment to provide equitable experiences for the players, fans and all our stakeholders. "Shifting our bid will enable us to host a record-breaking Women's World Cup in 2031 that will help to grow and raise the level of the women's game both here at home as well as across the globe."  Mexico Football Federation chief Ivar Sisniega echoed Parlow Cone's position. "After careful analysis we feel that moving our bid back to 2031 will allow us to promote and build up to the most successful Women's World Cup ever," Sisniega said. "The strength and universality of our professional women's leagues, coupled with our experience from organizing the 2026 World Cup, means that we will be able to provide the best infrastructure as well as an enthusiastic fan base that will make all the participating teams feel at home and to put together a World Cup that will contribute to the continued growth of women's football."  Last year's women's World Cup was held in Australia and New Zealand. The last time the tournament was held in North America was when Canada hosted in 2015. The USA are the most successful nation in the women's game having won the World Cup on four occasions.

USA, Mexico withdraw joint bid to host 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup

Researchers have discovered the world’s deepest blue hole in Mexico, but the catch is they haven’t reached its bottom yet. The site named Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH) is now the deepest known underwater sinkhole in the world. The measurements show TJBH extends at least 1,380 feet (420 metres) below sea level.&nbsp;

The newly found deepest blue hole, situated in Chetumal Bay off the southeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, is 480 feet deeper than what scientists documented in 2021.&nbsp;

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In 2021, the first blue hole was discovered, which was found to be 390 feet (119 m) deeper than the previous record holder- the 990-foot-deep (301 m) Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, also known as Dragon Hole in the South China Sea.

<h2>World’s deepest blue hole discovered in Mexico</h2>

TJBH was identified as the world’s deepest blue hole during a scuba diving expedition that took place on 6 December 2023. The expedition was conducted to analyse the environmental conditions prevailing at the site, as per the study published Monday in the Frontiers in Marine Science journal.&nbsp;

During the expedition, the researchers took measurements with a conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) profiler- a device with a set of probes that read and transmit water properties to the surface in real time via a cable.

The data from the device revealed that Taam Ja’ Blue Hole is indeed the “world’s deepest known blue hole, with its bottom still not reached”, the researchers wrote in the study.&nbsp;

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The profiler also highlighted different layers of water within the blue hole, including a layer below 1,312 feet (400 m) where the temperature and salinity conditions resembled those of the Caribbean Sea and nearby coastal reef lagoons. This suggests the TJBH may be connected to the ocean via a hidden network of tunnels and caves, according to the study.

Initial measurements of the TJBH were taken with an echo sounder- another instrument that sends sound waves down to the bottom of the water and measures the speed they come back to calculate distance. However, the instrument had its limitations when it came to measuring deep blue holes. &nbsp;

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The CTD instrument used for the recent work did not find the bottom of the blue hole either, as it could only operate down to depths of 1,640 feet (500 m). Scientists lowered the profiler down to that depth, but the cable it was attached to may have drifted on underwater currents or bumped into a ledge that stopped the device in its tracks 1,380 feet down, according to the study.

Next, the scientists plan to “decipher TJBH's "maximum depth and the possibilities of forming part of an underwater intricate and potentially interconnected system of caves and tunnels," the researchers wrote.

<h2>What is a blue hole?</h2>

Blue holes are water-filled vertical caverns, or sinkholes, found in coastal regions where the bedrock is made of soluble material, such as limestone, marble or gypsum. They are formed when water on the surface percolates through the rock, dissolving minerals and widening cracks, which eventually causes the rock to collapse.&nbsp;

Some famous examples include Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas, the Dahab Blue Hole in Egypt and the Great Blue Hole in Belize.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers have discovered the world’s deepest blue hole in Mexico, but the catch is they haven’t reached its bottom yet. The site named Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH) is now the deepest known underwater sinkhole in the world.

Researchers have discovered the world’s deepest blue hole in Mexico, but the catch is they haven’t reached its bottom yet. The site named Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH) is now the deepest known underwater sinkhole in the world. The measurements show TJBH extends at least 1,380 feet (420 metres) below sea level. The newly found deepest blue hole, situated in Chetumal Bay off the southeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, is 480 feet deeper than what scientists documented in 2021. Also Read | Hospital toilets may harbour drug-resistant superbugs, posing risk to patients, says study In 2021, the first blue hole was discovered, which was found to be 390 feet (119 m) deeper than the previous record holder- the 990-foot-deep (301 m) Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, also known as Dragon Hole in the South China Sea. World’s deepest blue hole discovered in Mexico TJBH was identified as the world’s deepest blue hole during a scuba diving expedition that took place on 6 December 2023. The expedition was conducted to analyse the environmental conditions prevailing at the site, as per the study published Monday in the Frontiers in Marine Science journal. During the expedition, the researchers took measurements with a conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) profiler- a device with a set of probes that read and transmit water properties to the surface in real time via a cable. The data from the device revealed that Taam Ja’ Blue Hole is indeed the “world’s deepest known blue hole, with its bottom still not reached”, the researchers wrote in the study. Also Read | Cosmic vicious cycle: Black holes are crashing into each other due to 'traffic jams' in space The profiler also highlighted different layers of water within the blue hole, including a layer below 1,312 feet (400 m) where the temperature and salinity conditions resembled those of the Caribbean Sea and nearby coastal reef lagoons. This suggests the TJBH may be connected to the ocean via a hidden network of tunnels and caves, according to the study. Initial measurements of the TJBH were taken with an echo sounder- another instrument that sends sound waves down to the bottom of the water and measures the speed they come back to calculate distance. However, the instrument had its limitations when it came to measuring deep blue holes. Also Read | 'Tiger stripes' may be hiding secrets of life on Saturn's moon Enceladus The CTD instrument used for the recent work did not find the bottom of the blue hole either, as it could only operate down to depths of 1,640 feet (500 m). Scientists lowered the profiler down to that depth, but the cable it was attached to may have drifted on underwater currents or bumped into a ledge that stopped the device in its tracks 1,380 feet down, according to the study. Next, the scientists plan to “decipher TJBH's "maximum depth and the possibilities of forming part of an underwater intricate and potentially interconnected system of caves and tunnels," the researchers wrote. What is a blue hole? Blue holes are water-filled vertical caverns, or sinkholes, found in coastal regions where the bedrock is made of soluble material, such as limestone, marble or gypsum. They are formed when water on the surface percolates through the rock, dissolving minerals and widening cracks, which eventually causes the rock to collapse. Some famous examples include Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas, the Dahab Blue Hole in Egypt and the Great Blue Hole in Belize. (With inputs from agencies)

World's deepest blue hole discovered in Mexico during scuba diving expedition

Ecuador said on Monday (Apr 29) it is taking legal action against Mexico at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), asking the UN tribunal known as the World Court to rule that Mexico's decision to grant asylum to a controversial former Ecuadorean vice president was illegal.

Mexico's government on Monday questioned why Ecuador waited weeks to file its lawsuit.

The case revolves around former Vice President Jorge Glas, who has been convicted of corruption twice and now faces new charges. He was arrested on April 5 after Ecuadorean police conducted an armed raid on Mexico's embassy in Quito. Glas had been residing at the embassy as a guest since December and had recently been granted asylum status just before the raid.

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Ecuador filed a lawsuit, accusing Mexico of committing "a series of violations" since Jorge Glas began living at Mexico's embassy in Quito, according to a statement from Ecuador's foreign ministry on Monday.&nbsp;

Ecuadorean officials contend that Mexico breached international law by meddling in their internal affairs and wrongfully granting Glas political asylum despite the criminal charges pending against him.

"It's noteworthy that these arguments are presented nearly a month after the violent invasion of the Mexican embassy," Mexico's foreign ministry said in a statement, adding it will formally respond to them later.

Mexico filed its own lawsuit against Ecuador at the ICJ earlier this month, accusing Ecuador of violating international law by carrying out the raid on its mission.

The ICJ will hold so-called emergency measures hearings on Tuesday, while Ecuador is expected to defend itself at a Wednesday hearing.

Video:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-is-there-unrest-in-ecuador-679412" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-is-there-unrest-in-ecuador-679412&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi61-Hg0OmFAxXp2DgGHUmUDl8QFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3GHlaDrE4BNl_yyRUaFZwG&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-is-there-unrest-in-ecuador-679412" target="_blank">Why is there unrest in&nbsp;Ecuador?</a>

ICJ cases typically take years before being heard on the merits, and while its rulings are legally binding, the tribunal has no means to enforce them.

Ecuador's suit also mentions "insulting" statements by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

 
Prior to the highly unusual raid, Ecuador complained about comments from Lopez Obrador a couple of days before Glas' arrest in which he weighed in on the violence in last year's Ecuadorean presidential election.

An Ecuadorean court has decided that although Glas's arrest was unlawful, he must stay in prison because of his prior convictions.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ecuador-violence-prompts-several-prison-raids-across-the-region-679295" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/ecuador-violence-prompts-several-prison-raids-across-the-region-679295&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi61-Hg0OmFAxXp2DgGHUmUDl8QFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0bNc3sFFCIxysq-ppjUJCv&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ecuador-violence-prompts-several-prison-raids-across-the-region-679295" target="_blank">Ecuador&nbsp;violence prompts several prison raids across the region</a>

His legal team has vowed to appeal. Glas faces charges of misappropriating funds raised for the reconstruction of the coastal Manabi province following the devastating earthquake in 2016.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador said on Monday (Apr 29) it is taking legal action against Mexico at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), asking the UN tribunal known as the World Court to rule that Mexico's decision to grant asylum to a controversial former Ecuadorean vice president was illegal.

Ecuador said on Monday (Apr 29) it is taking legal action against Mexico at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), asking the UN tribunal known as the World Court to rule that Mexico's decision to grant asylum to a controversial former Ecuadorean vice president was illegal. Mexico's government on Monday questioned why Ecuador waited weeks to file its lawsuit. The case revolves around former Vice President Jorge Glas, who has been convicted of corruption twice and now faces new charges. He was arrested on April 5 after Ecuadorean police conducted an armed raid on Mexico's embassy in Quito. Glas had been residing at the embassy as a guest since December and had recently been granted asylum status just before the raid. Also read: Ecuador referendum says yes to anti-mafia measures Ecuador filed a lawsuit, accusing Mexico of committing "a series of violations" since Jorge Glas began living at Mexico's embassy in Quito, according to a statement from Ecuador's foreign ministry on Monday. Ecuadorean officials contend that Mexico breached international law by meddling in their internal affairs and wrongfully granting Glas political asylum despite the criminal charges pending against him. "It's noteworthy that these arguments are presented nearly a month after the violent invasion of the Mexican embassy," Mexico's foreign ministry said in a statement, adding it will formally respond to them later. Mexico filed its own lawsuit against Ecuador at the ICJ earlier this month, accusing Ecuador of violating international law by carrying out the raid on its mission. The ICJ will hold so-called emergency measures hearings on Tuesday, while Ecuador is expected to defend itself at a Wednesday hearing. Video: Why is there unrest in Ecuador? ICJ cases typically take years before being heard on the merits, and while its rulings are legally binding, the tribunal has no means to enforce them. Ecuador's suit also mentions "insulting" statements by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Prior to the highly unusual raid, Ecuador complained about comments from Lopez Obrador a couple of days before Glas' arrest in which he weighed in on the violence in last year's Ecuadorean presidential election. An Ecuadorean court has decided that although Glas's arrest was unlawful, he must stay in prison because of his prior convictions. Also read: Ecuador violence prompts several prison raids across the region His legal team has vowed to appeal. Glas faces charges of misappropriating funds raised for the reconstruction of the coastal Manabi province following the devastating earthquake in 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador files lawsuit against Mexico at World Court over asylum decision

On Sunday in Mexico the country saw an action-packed debate between Presidential candidates in the elections just over a month away. Three leaders took the podium to woo the Mexican vote bank but a Spitfire between the ruling party and the opposition coalition's candidates stole the show. Watch in for more details!

Mexico Elections 2024: Mexico's Presidential candidates engage in televised debate

Three women were reportedly infected with HIV while receiving an alleged vampire facial at a New Mexico spa, marking the first known cases of the virus being transmitted during a cosmetic injection procedure. Watch in for more details!

3 women contract HIV after getting ‘vampire facial’ at New Mexico spa

Osaka's Tennoji Zoo was left shocked after a DNA test revealed that its male resident hippo is in fact a female! 12-year-old Gen-chan had come to Japan from Mexico 7 years ago. The Zoo claims that the Hippo's document said the animal was a male.

Gravitas: After 7 year, Japan's male hippo turns out to be female

After the United States, public health officials in Mexico are sounding the alarm after a recent study discovered the presence of animal tranquillizer xylazine in opioids. Meanwhile, a report by the country’s government, on Friday (Apr 12) also found that it is facing a dire shortage of fentanyl for medical use.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Zombie drug’</h2>

Popularly known as the “tranq dope” or “zombie drug,” xylazine cut into heroin and fentanyl which has worsened the ongoing drug epidemic across various American cities

Notably, the animal tranquillizer was found in the opioids in cities in Mexico’s northwest, which border with the US.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;'Zombie' drug Xylazine found in cannabis THC vapes in UK

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/zombie-drug-xylazine-found-in-cannabis-thc-vapes-in-uk-709867/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The findings have prompted Mexico’s health ministry in conjunction with the National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions to issue an alert for health personnel and first responders in the country’s border cities for “possible adulteration of heroin and fentanyl with xylazine.”

Since xylazine is a sedative it does not have the same effects as an opioid but it can make opioid overdose reversal treatments less effective. Therefore, it not only raises the risk of overdose-related deaths but can also cause severe skin abscesses that can be life-threatening.

Out of the 300 samples of drug residues tested in the cities of Tijuana and Mexicali, xylazine was found in 35 residues of heroin mixed with fentanyl and 26 fentanyl residues.&nbsp;

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It is also worth noting that the study had set out to identify adulterants in drugs and just happened to stumble upon xylazine.&nbsp;

“We were surprised to find xylazine,” said Clara Fleiz from Mexico’s National Institute of Psychiatry and the study’s lead author, as quoted by Reuters.

The country’s alarm over xylazine also comes as consumption of fentanyl is reportedly increasing within its borders.

<h2>Mexico is running short of fentanyl</h2>

On Friday, Mexico reported yet another drug-related problem, as the country which is the leading producer of illicit fentanyl, can’t get enough for medical use. This is despite Mexican cartels reportedly pumping out tonens of the illicit narcotic.

However, the study by Mexico’s National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions did not give any reason for the shortage of fentanyl, which is needed for anaesthesia in hospitals, but claimed that it is a worldwide problem.&nbsp;

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The report said that the country had to import fentanyl and the imports fell by more than 50 per cent between 2022 and 2023. However, during this time, seizures of illicit fentanyl rose from 1.24 tonnes (2022) to 1.85 tonnes last year.&nbsp;

The study has also attributed this shortage to the US saying that the “excessive use of opiates in recent decades in the United States has had important repercussions on consumption and supply in Mexico.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, with the lack of availability of morphine and fentanyl, anesthesiologists in Mexico have been forced to acquire their own supplies and even administer multiple doses from a single vial to conserve.&nbsp;

The US Department of State’s 2023 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report said around 96 per cent of all fentanyl seized originated in Mexico.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

After the United States, public health officials in Mexico are sounding the alarm after a recent study discovered the presence of animal tranquillizer xylazine in opioids.

After the United States, public health officials in Mexico are sounding the alarm after a recent study discovered the presence of animal tranquillizer xylazine in opioids. Meanwhile, a report by the country’s government, on Friday (Apr 12) also found that it is facing a dire shortage of fentanyl for medical use. ‘Zombie drug’ Popularly known as the “tranq dope” or “zombie drug,” xylazine cut into heroin and fentanyl which has worsened the ongoing drug epidemic across various American cities Notably, the animal tranquillizer was found in the opioids in cities in Mexico’s northwest, which border with the US. WATCH | 'Zombie' drug Xylazine found in cannabis THC vapes in UK The findings have prompted Mexico’s health ministry in conjunction with the National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions to issue an alert for health personnel and first responders in the country’s border cities for “possible adulteration of heroin and fentanyl with xylazine.” Since xylazine is a sedative it does not have the same effects as an opioid but it can make opioid overdose reversal treatments less effective. Therefore, it not only raises the risk of overdose-related deaths but can also cause severe skin abscesses that can be life-threatening. Out of the 300 samples of drug residues tested in the cities of Tijuana and Mexicali, xylazine was found in 35 residues of heroin mixed with fentanyl and 26 fentanyl residues. Also Read | People using cannabis vapes in UK at risk from 'zombie' drug, warn experts It is also worth noting that the study had set out to identify adulterants in drugs and just happened to stumble upon xylazine. “We were surprised to find xylazine,” said Clara Fleiz from Mexico’s National Institute of Psychiatry and the study’s lead author, as quoted by Reuters. The country’s alarm over xylazine also comes as consumption of fentanyl is reportedly increasing within its borders. Mexico is running short of fentanyl On Friday, Mexico reported yet another drug-related problem, as the country which is the leading producer of illicit fentanyl, can’t get enough for medical use. This is despite Mexican cartels reportedly pumping out tonens of the illicit narcotic. However, the study by Mexico’s National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions did not give any reason for the shortage of fentanyl, which is needed for anaesthesia in hospitals, but claimed that it is a worldwide problem. Also Read | Sierra Leone: Addicts dig up graves to get high on drug made of human bones The report said that the country had to import fentanyl and the imports fell by more than 50 per cent between 2022 and 2023. However, during this time, seizures of illicit fentanyl rose from 1.24 tonnes (2022) to 1.85 tonnes last year. The study has also attributed this shortage to the US saying that the “excessive use of opiates in recent decades in the United States has had important repercussions on consumption and supply in Mexico.” Meanwhile, with the lack of availability of morphine and fentanyl, anesthesiologists in Mexico have been forced to acquire their own supplies and even administer multiple doses from a single vial to conserve. The US Department of State’s 2023 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report said around 96 per cent of all fentanyl seized originated in Mexico. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico raises alarm after study finds ‘zombie’ drug xylazine in opioids

In New Mexico, recent studies by the US Geological Survey and state environment officials have found cancer-causing so-called forever chemicals in water sources.

Researchers find high quantities of cancer causing 'forever chemicals' in New Mexico water

The police in one of Mexico’s largest cities were witness to a gruesome sight as they found seven dead bodies inside a car on a busy street, each with “hand-written messages” detailing why they were killed.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the incident</h2>

According to the prosecutors in the central state of Puebla, Mexico, out of the seven bodies found, five were decapitated, and another was completely dismembered.&nbsp;

The car, inside which the bodies were found, was reportedly left in the middle of traffic on a main expressway in the city of Puebla, on Friday (Apr 5).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-says-diplomatic-staff-leave-ecuador-as-latin-american-nations-un-chief-condemn-embassy-raid-708773">Mexico's diplomatic staff leave Ecuador as Latin American nations, UN chief condemn embassy raid</a>

“On each of the bodies, we found hand-written messages written on paper, each one detailing the reason they were killed,” said Puebla state chief prosecutor Gilberto Higuera.

However, he did not mention whether the deaths might be related to drug cartels but said that the car was stolen.&nbsp;

Higuera added that the incident was “not only a dispute (between gangs) but also something related to dominance over certain people, aimed at not only domination, but recruitment.”&nbsp;

The police came to know about the car as it was blocking the traffic on the city’s main ring road.&nbsp;

Notably, while drug cartel murders are common, these grisly killings have garnered attention as they occurred in the relatively affluent city of Puebla.&nbsp;

Puebla is Mexico’s fifth largest city and witnesses relatively less drug cartel-related violence. However, it is not entirely spared, as the state has witnessed 200 murders in the first three months of this year, according to the data from Puebla state prosecutor’s office.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexicos-president-mourns-killing-of-two-local-candidates-ahead-of-general-elections-707037">Mexico president mourns killing of two local candidates ahead of general elections&nbsp;</a>

It is also not uncommon for some cartels in Mexico, when they seek to establish a territory as their own to kill rivals, petty thieves or drug dealers, and leave a message telling the locals that such activities will not be tolerated under their rule.&nbsp;

<h2>Two local candidates killed ahead of elections</h2>

Earlier this month, a mayoral and a city council candidate in the Mexican city of Celaya were killed ahead of the country’s general elections which have been marred by violence.&nbsp;

Bertha Gisela Gaytán, a mayoral candidate for Celaya, was killed in a shooting on April 1, hours after she requested protection, while city council candidate Adrián Guerrero, who was wounded during the same attack, died the next day.&nbsp;

At least 14 candidates have been killed since the beginning of this year and ahead of the June 2 elections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The police in one of Mexico’s largest cities were witness to a gruesome sight as they found seven dead bodies inside a car on a busy street, each with “hand-written messages” detailing why they were killed.

The police in one of Mexico’s largest cities were witness to a gruesome sight as they found seven dead bodies inside a car on a busy street, each with “hand-written messages” detailing why they were killed. What we know about the incident According to the prosecutors in the central state of Puebla, Mexico, out of the seven bodies found, five were decapitated, and another was completely dismembered. The car, inside which the bodies were found, was reportedly left in the middle of traffic on a main expressway in the city of Puebla, on Friday (Apr 5). Also Read | Mexico's diplomatic staff leave Ecuador as Latin American nations, UN chief condemn embassy raid “On each of the bodies, we found hand-written messages written on paper, each one detailing the reason they were killed,” said Puebla state chief prosecutor Gilberto Higuera. However, he did not mention whether the deaths might be related to drug cartels but said that the car was stolen. Higuera added that the incident was “not only a dispute (between gangs) but also something related to dominance over certain people, aimed at not only domination, but recruitment.” The police came to know about the car as it was blocking the traffic on the city’s main ring road. Notably, while drug cartel murders are common, these grisly killings have garnered attention as they occurred in the relatively affluent city of Puebla. Puebla is Mexico’s fifth largest city and witnesses relatively less drug cartel-related violence. However, it is not entirely spared, as the state has witnessed 200 murders in the first three months of this year, according to the data from Puebla state prosecutor’s office. Also Read | Mexico president mourns killing of two local candidates ahead of general elections It is also not uncommon for some cartels in Mexico, when they seek to establish a territory as their own to kill rivals, petty thieves or drug dealers, and leave a message telling the locals that such activities will not be tolerated under their rule. Two local candidates killed ahead of elections Earlier this month, a mayoral and a city council candidate in the Mexican city of Celaya were killed ahead of the country’s general elections which have been marred by violence. Bertha Gisela Gaytán, a mayoral candidate for Celaya, was killed in a shooting on April 1, hours after she requested protection, while city council candidate Adrián Guerrero, who was wounded during the same attack, died the next day. At least 14 candidates have been killed since the beginning of this year and ahead of the June 2 elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico: Police find 7 bodies, 5 of them decapitated, with ‘handwritten messages’ inside car

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In Mexico's first presidential debate on Sunday, former Mexico City Mayor and frontrunner Claudia Sheinbaum sounded confident in her polling advantage, maintaining calm in the face of personal assaults from ex-Senator Xóchitl Gálvez. The election is scheduled for June 2. Watch to know more.

Fiesty Sunday: Mexico presidential debate kicks off poll fever

Mexico’s diplomatic personnel are leaving Ecuador, on Sunday (Apr 7) said the Mexican foreign minister after the two countries severed ties. This comes after the police raided Mexico’s embassy in Quito and arrested former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas.&nbsp;

The raid has prompted criticism across Latin America, the United States,&nbsp;Honduras, Spain, the European Union, and United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres also condemned Ecuador’s decision saying that it violates the sanctity of diplomatic and consular property.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Leaving everything in Ecuador’</h2>

“Our diplomatic staff are leaving everything in Ecuador and returning home with their heads held high... after the assault on our embassy,” said Mexico’s Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena, on X.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Mexico suspends diplomatic ties with Ecuador

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According to Mexican officials, the group of 18 diplomats will be accompanied by “friendly and allied countries” to the airport.&nbsp;

Mexican diplomats would also be travelling on a commercial airline to Mexico City after the possibility of sending a military plane was ruled out due to ongoing tensions between the two countries.&nbsp;

The departure comes amid a growing rift between Mexico and Ecuador which had been going on for days and culminated on Friday (Apr 5) after Mexico granted political asylum to Glas, who served as VP under leftist former President Rafael Correa between 2013 and 2017.

Glas, 54, convicted twice for corruption, had sought shelter in the embassy in Quito since seeking political asylum in December.&nbsp;

<h2>The police raid</h2>

On Friday, Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador took to X and said “police from Ecuador forcibly entered” his country’s embassy in Quito and took the former VP who “was a refugee and processing asylum because of the persecution and harassment he faces.”

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The dramatic footage of the police raid shows heavily armed officers massing around the building and senior Mexican diplomat, Roberto Canseco being wrestled to the ground as Glas was driven away.&nbsp;

The Ecuadorian government of President Daniel Noboa later confirmed the arrest and said Glas was “sentenced to imprisonment by the Ecuadorian justice system,” in a statement.&nbsp;

The government said Glas had been granted diplomatic asylum “contrary to the conventional legal framework.”

The former VP has since been taken to a maximum-security prison in Guayaquil known as La Roca, said Ecuador’s national prisons agency, SNAI, on Saturday.&nbsp;

<h2>Police raid draws condemnation</h2>

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela condemned the move by Ecuadorian authorities, while Nicaragua joined Mexico in severing diplomatic ties with Quito over Noboa’s “astonishing and despicable act”.&nbsp;

Barcena expressed shock at Ecuador’s incursion into Mexico’s embassy in Quito calling it “a violent attack” perpetrated by the police and said that the country “reiterates its condemnation for the violation of the immunity of its embassy in Quito and the attack on its staff.”

She also went on to call it a “clear and flagrant violation of international law.”&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-suspends-relations-with-ecuador-after-arrest-of-ex-vp-708337">Mexico suspends relations with Ecuador after arrest of ex-VP</a>

As per international law, embassies are considered the sovereign territory of the country they represent. Additionally, the Vienna Convention says that a country cannot intrude upon an embassy on its territory.

“The secretary general is alarmed at the forced entry of Ecuadorian security forces into the premises of the Mexican embassy,” said the UN chief through his spokesperson on Sunday.&nbsp;

He added that violations of the sanctity of diplomatic and consular property “jeopardise the pursuit of normal international relations”.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Mexico’s diplomatic personnel are leaving Ecuador, on Sunday (Apr 7) said the Mexican foreign minister after the two countries severed ties. This comes after the police raided Mexico’s embassy in Quito and arrested former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas.

Mexico’s diplomatic personnel are leaving Ecuador, on Sunday (Apr 7) said the Mexican foreign minister after the two countries severed ties. This comes after the police raided Mexico’s embassy in Quito and arrested former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas. The raid has prompted criticism across Latin America, the United States, Honduras, Spain, the European Union, and United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres also condemned Ecuador’s decision saying that it violates the sanctity of diplomatic and consular property. ‘Leaving everything in Ecuador’ “Our diplomatic staff are leaving everything in Ecuador and returning home with their heads held high... after the assault on our embassy,” said Mexico’s Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena, on X. WATCH | Mexico suspends diplomatic ties with Ecuador According to Mexican officials, the group of 18 diplomats will be accompanied by “friendly and allied countries” to the airport. Mexican diplomats would also be travelling on a commercial airline to Mexico City after the possibility of sending a military plane was ruled out due to ongoing tensions between the two countries. The departure comes amid a growing rift between Mexico and Ecuador which had been going on for days and culminated on Friday (Apr 5) after Mexico granted political asylum to Glas, who served as VP under leftist former President Rafael Correa between 2013 and 2017. Glas, 54, convicted twice for corruption, had sought shelter in the embassy in Quito since seeking political asylum in December. The police raid On Friday, Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador took to X and said “police from Ecuador forcibly entered” his country’s embassy in Quito and took the former VP who “was a refugee and processing asylum because of the persecution and harassment he faces.” Also Read | Russia: Situation ‘critical’ in Orsk after severe flooding causes dam to burst The dramatic footage of the police raid shows heavily armed officers massing around the building and senior Mexican diplomat, Roberto Canseco being wrestled to the ground as Glas was driven away. The Ecuadorian government of President Daniel Noboa later confirmed the arrest and said Glas was “sentenced to imprisonment by the Ecuadorian justice system,” in a statement. The government said Glas had been granted diplomatic asylum “contrary to the conventional legal framework.” The former VP has since been taken to a maximum-security prison in Guayaquil known as La Roca, said Ecuador’s national prisons agency, SNAI, on Saturday. Police raid draws condemnation Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela condemned the move by Ecuadorian authorities, while Nicaragua joined Mexico in severing diplomatic ties with Quito over Noboa’s “astonishing and despicable act”. Barcena expressed shock at Ecuador’s incursion into Mexico’s embassy in Quito calling it “a violent attack” perpetrated by the police and said that the country “reiterates its condemnation for the violation of the immunity of its embassy in Quito and the attack on its staff.” She also went on to call it a “clear and flagrant violation of international law.” Also Read | Mexico suspends relations with Ecuador after arrest of ex-VP As per international law, embassies are considered the sovereign territory of the country they represent. Additionally, the Vienna Convention says that a country cannot intrude upon an embassy on its territory. “The secretary general is alarmed at the forced entry of Ecuadorian security forces into the premises of the Mexican embassy,” said the UN chief through his spokesperson on Sunday. He added that violations of the sanctity of diplomatic and consular property “jeopardise the pursuit of normal international relations”. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico's diplomatic staff leave Ecuador as Latin American nations, UN chief condemn embassy raid

Mexico and Ecuador tensions are on the rise becuase Mexico has suspended diplomatic ties with Ecuador after police forcibly broke into its embassy and arrested former Ecuadorian Vice-President.

Mexico suspends diplomatic ties with Ecuador | Ecudorian forces storm Mexico's embassy in Quito

Watch in Top Headlines of the hour: -Mexico cut ties with Ecuador -Dam bursts in Russian city -Retrieved body of hostage: IDF -China accused of harassment

Mexico cut ties with Ecuador | Iraq Force bombs Israel oil refineries

Ecuadorean authorities arrested former Vice President Jorge Glas on Friday evening, seizing him from the Mexican embassy and prompting Mexico to suspend bilateral relations.

Glas, convicted twice for corruption, had been holed up in the embassy in Quito since seeking political asylum in December, a request Mexico granted earlier on Friday.

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Police forcefully entered Mexico's embassy in Quito before making the arrest, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador posted on X.

The Ecuadorean president's office said in a statement it had arrested Glas, who was vice president under the leftist government of Rafael Correa between 2013 and 2017.

There was a heavy military presence at the magistrates court in the Andean capital, where the former vice president was taken.

The arrest caps a week of escalating tensions between Mexico and Ecuador, which on Thursday declared Mexico's ambassador in Quito persona non grata, citing "unfortunate" comments from the leftist President Lopez Obrador.

Ecuador contends that Mexico's asylum offer was illegal.

In a statement, Ecuador's presidency accused Mexico of "having abused the immunities and privileges granted to the diplomatic mission that housed the former vice president, and granting diplomatic asylum contrary to the conventional legal framework."

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Lopez Obrador said he had instructed Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena to suspend diplomatic ties with Ecuador, calling the arrest an "authoritarian" act and a violation of international law and Mexican sovereignty.

Barcena announced the "immediate" suspension of diplomatic ties with the South American nation shortly afterward on X.

Ecuadorean authorities had sought permission from Mexico to enter the embassy and arrest Glas, who was sentenced to six years in prison in 2017 after he was found guilty of receiving bribes from Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht in exchange for awarding it government contracts.

Glas, who has a preventive arrest warrant out on another corruption case, has complained that he is being persecuted for his political affiliation, which Ecuador's government denies.

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Ecuadorean officials this week were angered by Lopez Obrador's comments on the South American country's bloody elections last year, in which a presidential candidate was assassinated.

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa took office late last year and quickly faced an escalating conflict with drug gangs, which prompted him to declare a nationwide state of emergency early this year, which he extended last month.

Ecuadorean authorities arrested former Vice President Jorge Glas on Friday evening, seizing him from the Mexican embassy and prompting Mexico to suspend bilateral relations.

Ecuadorean authorities arrested former Vice President Jorge Glas on Friday evening, seizing him from the Mexican embassy and prompting Mexico to suspend bilateral relations. Glas, convicted twice for corruption, had been holed up in the embassy in Quito since seeking political asylum in December, a request Mexico granted earlier on Friday. Also read: US on high alert for Iran threat following Israeli strike in Syria Police forcefully entered Mexico's embassy in Quito before making the arrest, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador posted on X. The Ecuadorean president's office said in a statement it had arrested Glas, who was vice president under the leftist government of Rafael Correa between 2013 and 2017. There was a heavy military presence at the magistrates court in the Andean capital, where the former vice president was taken. The arrest caps a week of escalating tensions between Mexico and Ecuador, which on Thursday declared Mexico's ambassador in Quito persona non grata, citing "unfortunate" comments from the leftist President Lopez Obrador. Ecuador contends that Mexico's asylum offer was illegal. In a statement, Ecuador's presidency accused Mexico of "having abused the immunities and privileges granted to the diplomatic mission that housed the former vice president, and granting diplomatic asylum contrary to the conventional legal framework." Also read: Charity questions credibility of Israeli inquiry report on killing aid workers Lopez Obrador said he had instructed Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena to suspend diplomatic ties with Ecuador, calling the arrest an "authoritarian" act and a violation of international law and Mexican sovereignty. Barcena announced the "immediate" suspension of diplomatic ties with the South American nation shortly afterward on X. Ecuadorean authorities had sought permission from Mexico to enter the embassy and arrest Glas, who was sentenced to six years in prison in 2017 after he was found guilty of receiving bribes from Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht in exchange for awarding it government contracts. Glas, who has a preventive arrest warrant out on another corruption case, has complained that he is being persecuted for his political affiliation, which Ecuador's government denies. Also read: Joe Biden inspects collapsed Baltimore Bridge, pledges help Ecuadorean officials this week were angered by Lopez Obrador's comments on the South American country's bloody elections last year, in which a presidential candidate was assassinated. Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa took office late last year and quickly faced an escalating conflict with drug gangs, which prompted him to declare a nationwide state of emergency early this year, which he extended last month.

Mexico suspends relations with Ecuador after arrest of ex-VP

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, on Tuesday (Apr 2) said that he was saddened by the killing of a mayoral and a city council candidate in the city of Celaya. The killings come ahead of the country’s general elections which have been marred by violence.&nbsp;

<h2>About the fatal shooting in Celaya</h2>

Bertha Gisela Gaytán, a mayoral candidate for Celaya, was killed in a shooting on Monday (Apr 1) hours after she requested protection, while city council candidate Adrián Guerrero, who was wounded during the same attack, died the next day.&nbsp;

Gaytán and Guerrero were campaigning in the community of San Miguel Octopan, said the Guanajuato state prosecutor’s office. The mayoral candidate’s death has been described by the authorities as assassination.&nbsp;

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The city council candidate was among the three people who were wounded during the attack. He later succumbed to his injuries, Mexico’s Secretary of Federal Public Security Rosa Icela Rodríguez confirmed on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The duo was attacked on a street in a town just outside the city of Celaya, Guanajuato. The mayoral candidate had just launched her campaign and acknowledged she had asked for protection.

“Assistance has already been requested through the state legal system in the party. We are looking at this issue, to see how it is resolved,” the mayoral candidate told a political rally shortly before the attack.

Gaytán was campaigning for Obrador’s political party and shouting its name “Morena!,” as she was walking down the street when gunshots were heard before she fell on the pavement, reported the Associated Press citing a video of the incident on social media.&nbsp;

The footage also shows people running and falling down. Guerrero was part of a small group that was walking with Gaytán.

<h2>‘Very regrettable’</h2>

At least 15 candidates have been killed since the beginning of this year and months ahead of the upcoming June 2 general election in Mexico.&nbsp;

These incidents have prompted the government to provide bodyguards or bulletproof cars for candidates. However, candidates for municipal positions who are most in danger are often last in line for security, reported AP.

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“These events are very regrettable because they are people who are fighting to assert democracy, who are in the streets, showing their faces, fighting for others and it hurts a lot that this happens in our country,” said Obrador, on Tuesday.&nbsp;

No one has claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack but Mexico’s drug cartels are typically involved in assassination attempts on mayors and mayoral candidates.&nbsp;

Rodríguez, on Tuesday, said the government is committed to respond to protection requests within 72 hours. More than 100 candidates nationwide have asked for protection, she said.

Guanajuato has recently witnessed the highest number of homicides of any state in Mexico, with Celaya arguably being the most dangerous place.&nbsp;

More than 100 million Mexicans will head to the polls to vote in a general election to choose 20,375 people for local and federal offices, as well as the presidency.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, on Tuesday (Apr 2) said that he was saddened by the killing of a mayoral and a city council candidate in the city of Celaya.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, on Tuesday (Apr 2) said that he was saddened by the killing of a mayoral and a city council candidate in the city of Celaya. The killings come ahead of the country’s general elections which have been marred by violence. About the fatal shooting in Celaya Bertha Gisela Gaytán, a mayoral candidate for Celaya, was killed in a shooting on Monday (Apr 1) hours after she requested protection, while city council candidate Adrián Guerrero, who was wounded during the same attack, died the next day. Gaytán and Guerrero were campaigning in the community of San Miguel Octopan, said the Guanajuato state prosecutor’s office. The mayoral candidate’s death has been described by the authorities as assassination. Also Read | US teen still unable to walk, has impaired speech, cognition after fight near school The city council candidate was among the three people who were wounded during the attack. He later succumbed to his injuries, Mexico’s Secretary of Federal Public Security Rosa Icela Rodríguez confirmed on Tuesday. The duo was attacked on a street in a town just outside the city of Celaya, Guanajuato. The mayoral candidate had just launched her campaign and acknowledged she had asked for protection. “Assistance has already been requested through the state legal system in the party. We are looking at this issue, to see how it is resolved,” the mayoral candidate told a political rally shortly before the attack. Gaytán was campaigning for Obrador’s political party and shouting its name “Morena!,” as she was walking down the street when gunshots were heard before she fell on the pavement, reported the Associated Press citing a video of the incident on social media. The footage also shows people running and falling down. Guerrero was part of a small group that was walking with Gaytán. ‘Very regrettable’ At least 15 candidates have been killed since the beginning of this year and months ahead of the upcoming June 2 general election in Mexico. These incidents have prompted the government to provide bodyguards or bulletproof cars for candidates. However, candidates for municipal positions who are most in danger are often last in line for security, reported AP. Also Read | DR Congo president appoints country's first female prime minister “These events are very regrettable because they are people who are fighting to assert democracy, who are in the streets, showing their faces, fighting for others and it hurts a lot that this happens in our country,” said Obrador, on Tuesday. No one has claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack but Mexico’s drug cartels are typically involved in assassination attempts on mayors and mayoral candidates. Rodríguez, on Tuesday, said the government is committed to respond to protection requests within 72 hours. More than 100 candidates nationwide have asked for protection, she said. Guanajuato has recently witnessed the highest number of homicides of any state in Mexico, with Celaya arguably being the most dangerous place. More than 100 million Mexicans will head to the polls to vote in a general election to choose 20,375 people for local and federal offices, as well as the presidency. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico president mourns killing of two local candidates ahead of general elections

Gisela Gaytan, a Mexican mayoral candidate, was fatally shot on Monday during her campaign event. Gaytan had requested security, but no response was received, prompting an inquiry into the lack of protection.

Mexico: Mayoral candidate shot dead at a public rally

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Demonstrators join families of hostages in cities across country and vow to persist until he is ousted as PM. Voting ends in Turkey's high-stakes elections, three killed in poll-related violence. Indian PM Modi speaks on electoral bond row. US welcomes formation of new Palestinian autonomy government. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: Thousands demand Netanyahu government's resignation

Eight Chinese migrants were found dead on a beach in southern Mexico after the boat they were on capsized, officials told media on Saturday (Mar 30). Those who died include seven women and a man.

They were aboard a boat operated by a Mexican national that left Tapachula in Chapias state&nbsp;— over 1,100 km south of Mexico City but just a short distance away from Guatemala border&nbsp;— on Thursday (Mar 29), according to the prosecutor's office.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-poverty-is-showing-up-at-mexico-us-border-in-the-form-of-thousands-of-chinese-migrants-642051">China's poverty is on display at the Mexico-US border in the form of thousands of Chinese migrants</a>

The bodies were discovered on Friday (Mar 29) in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, which falls along a route frequented by the people trying to reach the United States.

One individual survived the ordeal, South China Morning Post reported.&nbsp;

It remains unclear what happened to the Mexican national operating the boat.

(With inputs from agencies)

Eight Chinese migrants were found dead on a beach in southern Mexico after the boat they were on capsized, officials told media on Saturday (Mar 30). Those who died include seven women and a man.

Eight Chinese migrants were found dead on a beach in southern Mexico after the boat they were on capsized, officials told media on Saturday (Mar 30). Those who died include seven women and a man. They were aboard a boat operated by a Mexican national that left Tapachula in Chapias state — over 1,100 km south of Mexico City but just a short distance away from Guatemala border — on Thursday (Mar 29), according to the prosecutor's office. Also read | China's poverty is on display at the Mexico-US border in the form of thousands of Chinese migrants The bodies were discovered on Friday (Mar 29) in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, which falls along a route frequented by the people trying to reach the United States. One individual survived the ordeal, South China Morning Post reported. It remains unclear what happened to the Mexican national operating the boat. (With inputs from agencies)

Eight Chinese migrants headed to the US found dead on Mexico beach after boat capsize

In Mexico, where eight Chinese Nationals were found dead on the nation's southern coast after a vessel capsized. According to the prosecutor's office, seven women and one man were aboard.

Mexico: Eight Chinese national killed as boat capsize, one migrant survives tragedy

Mexico: Eight Chinese migrants found dead after boat capsize in Oaxaca

Mexico: Vessels carrying migrants capsized, 1 migrant survived tragedy

Mexico: Vessels carrying migrants capsized in Oaxaca

In the Philippines, a 65-year-old man was 'crucified' for the 35th time. In Mexico, Encorvadas walked down the colonial streets of silver-mining town Taxco. In Australia, A man impersonating Jesus Christ was seen carrying a cross through the streets. This report shows you how Good Friday was marked around the world.

Good Friday: 65-year-old Filipino man 'crucified' for 35th time

At a fireworks festival in Mexico, numerous laser beams were directed at a passenger aircraft in a dangerous manner. The incident occurred as the plane was flying over the annual National Pyrotechnic Festival in Tultepec, with people&nbsp;in the crowd aiming multiple green laser beams towards it.

Footage recorded over the past weekend shows the aircraft being surrounded by the green rays. Users on social media condemned the actions of the festival attendees, with one expressing, "What is wrong with people??? This is extremely dangerous." Another individual remarked, "I wonder if they would find it amusing if they were passengers on that plane."

Watch the video here:

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<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" data-embed-height="739" style="height:500px"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/aviation/comments/1bjfiq6/laser_pointing_on_a_flying_aircraft_an_aircraft/">Laser pointing on a flying aircraft: An aircraft that was flying over the area of the International Pyrotechnics Fair in Tultepec,Mexico, several people began to point green laser beams until the aircraft was illuminated in that color. Video by @fl360aero</a> 
by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Able_Tailor_6983/">u/Able_Tailor_6983</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/aviation/">aviation</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Stricter laws in other countries&nbsp;</h2>

People in the UK who shine laser devices at transportation operators could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison.

Stricter legislation was implemented following an incident in 2016 where a Virgin Atlantic flight had to return to Heathrow airport after a laser was directed at the aircraft.

In the US, directing laser beams at aircraft constitutes a federal offence, with fines of up to £8,700 (around $11k)&nbsp;per violation.

Laser pointers exceeding one milliwatt in power output have been classified as prohibited weapons in Australia since 2008, following incidents where aircraft flying over Sydney were targeted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/12-year-old-us-boy-rushed-to-hospital-after-restaurant-serves-alcohol-mistakenly-704129">Also read |&nbsp;12-year-old US boy rushed to hospital after restaurant serves alcohol mistakenly</a>

The annual National Pyrotechnic Festival in Tultepec commemorates the region's significance as the hub of the country's indigenous fireworks industry.

Up to 100,000 attendees participate in the festival, witnessing elaborate firework displays and partaking in processions.

It remains uncertain whether authorities in Mexico are investigating the video or if the airline involved has lodged a complaint with air safety regulators.

(With inputs from agencies)

At a fireworks festival in Mexico, numerous laser beams were directed at a passenger aircraft in a dangerous manner. The incident occurred as the plane was flying over the annual National Pyrotechnic Festival in Tultepec, with people in the crowd aiming multiple green laser beams towards it.

At a fireworks festival in Mexico, numerous laser beams were directed at a passenger aircraft in a dangerous manner. The incident occurred as the plane was flying over the annual National Pyrotechnic Festival in Tultepec, with people in the crowd aiming multiple green laser beams towards it. Footage recorded over the past weekend shows the aircraft being surrounded by the green rays. Users on social media condemned the actions of the festival attendees, with one expressing, "What is wrong with people??? This is extremely dangerous." Another individual remarked, "I wonder if they would find it amusing if they were passengers on that plane." Watch the video here: Laser pointing on a flying aircraft: An aircraft that was flying over the area of the International Pyrotechnics Fair in Tultepec,Mexico, several people began to point green laser beams until the aircraft was illuminated in that color. Video by @fl360aero byu/Able_Tailor_6983 inaviation × Stricter laws in other countries People in the UK who shine laser devices at transportation operators could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison. Stricter legislation was implemented following an incident in 2016 where a Virgin Atlantic flight had to return to Heathrow airport after a laser was directed at the aircraft. In the US, directing laser beams at aircraft constitutes a federal offence, with fines of up to £8,700 (around $11k) per violation. Laser pointers exceeding one milliwatt in power output have been classified as prohibited weapons in Australia since 2008, following incidents where aircraft flying over Sydney were targeted. Also read | 12-year-old US boy rushed to hospital after restaurant serves alcohol mistakenly The annual National Pyrotechnic Festival in Tultepec commemorates the region's significance as the hub of the country's indigenous fireworks industry. Up to 100,000 attendees participate in the festival, witnessing elaborate firework displays and partaking in processions. It remains uncertain whether authorities in Mexico are investigating the video or if the airline involved has lodged a complaint with air safety regulators. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Festival-goers in Mexico point multiple laser beams at passenger plane, risking safety

Tensions between Texas Troopers and migrants escalated on the US side of the border near El Paso. The Texas Troopers fired non-lethal projectiles into a crowd that was attempting to dismantle razor wire barriers.

US-Mexico border: Tensions with migrants escalate on the border near El Paso

The Supreme Court has allowed the state of Texas to enforce a law that gives the police broad powers to arrest migrants suspected of illegally crossing the border. Watch in for more details!

Rifts emerge in US-Mexico ties, Mexico pushes back on Texas' anti-migration law

US-Mexico Border Crisis: Mexico warns of tensions with US over recent Texas state law

In the heart of Mexico's northern state of Coahuila, ancient oasis of Cuatro Cienegas finds itself on the brink of an ecological crisis. Alfalfa plants have swayed under a thin veil of mist in coahuila, a testament to the region's centuries-old agricultural tradition.

Mexico's vital oasis in crisis

Rifts emerge in US-Mexico ties, cross-border tensions on rise

In the heart of mexico's northern state of coahuila, ancient oasis of cuatro cienegas finds itself on the brink of an ecological crisis. Alfalfa plants have swayed under a thin veil of mist in coahuila, a testament to the region's centuries-old agricultural tradition.

Water is disappearing from Mexico's vital desert oasis

mexico

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