A journalist was killed by gunmen in central Mexico&nbsp;on Monday, authorities said -- the seventh such murder this year in one of the world's most dangerous countries for reporters.

Israel Vazquez Rangel, who worked for the online newspaper El Salmantino in violence-plagued Guanajuato state, was shot while out reporting and later died in hospital, prosecutors said in a statement.

His newspaper said the 31-year-old was covering the discovery of human remains in the city of Salamanca when he was attacked by two men.

"We vigorously condemn the cowardly and atrocious attack against our dear colleague Israel Vazquez while he was carrying out his honorable journalistic work," the daily said in a statement.

Media rights groups the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) denounced the murder.

"It's a deplorable situation because violence continues in Mexico, especially against journalists," RSF's Mexico representative Balbina Flores told AFP.

The group regularly ranks Mexico alongside war-torn Syria and Afghanistan as the world's most dangerous countries for news media.&nbsp;

More than 100 reporters have been murdered since 2000 in Mexico, where investigating political corruption or powerful drug cartels can have deadly repercussions.

Only a fraction of those crimes have resulted in convictions.

In September, journalist Julio Valdivia was found decapitated in the eastern state of Veracruz, a flashpoint in turf wars between rival drug cartels.

The following month, journalist and television news show host Arturo Alba Medina was shot dead in&nbsp;Ciudad Juarez near the US border.

A journalist was killed by gunmen in central Mexico on Monday, authorities said -- the seventh such murder this year in one of the world's most dangerous countries for reporters.

A journalist was killed by gunmen in central Mexico on Monday, authorities said -- the seventh such murder this year in one of the world's most dangerous countries for reporters. Israel Vazquez Rangel, who worked for the online newspaper El Salmantino in violence-plagued Guanajuato state, was shot while out reporting and later died in hospital, prosecutors said in a statement. His newspaper said the 31-year-old was covering the discovery of human remains in the city of Salamanca when he was attacked by two men. "We vigorously condemn the cowardly and atrocious attack against our dear colleague Israel Vazquez while he was carrying out his honorable journalistic work," the daily said in a statement. Media rights groups the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) denounced the murder. "It's a deplorable situation because violence continues in Mexico, especially against journalists," RSF's Mexico representative Balbina Flores told AFP. The group regularly ranks Mexico alongside war-torn Syria and Afghanistan as the world's most dangerous countries for news media. More than 100 reporters have been murdered since 2000 in Mexico, where investigating political corruption or powerful drug cartels can have deadly repercussions. Only a fraction of those crimes have resulted in convictions. In September, journalist Julio Valdivia was found decapitated in the eastern state of Veracruz, a flashpoint in turf wars between rival drug cartels. The following month, journalist and television news show host Arturo Alba Medina was shot dead in Ciudad Juarez near the US border.

Journalist murdered in Mexico, seventh this year

Torrential rain and a bitter cold front linked to storm system Eta have claimed at least 20 lives in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, officials said Saturday.

And authorities in Honduras said flooding in the north and northwest caused by torrential downpours had now left 23 people dead after another 10 people lost their lives on Friday.

The government of Chiapas -- which borders Guatemala, where about 150 people are dead or missing in the wake of the storm -- said 10 bodies were found in the river in the town of Chenalho.

Early reports indicated they had been swept away by powerful currents.

Eight other people died in the cities of El Bosque and La Grandeza, the government said. Another person was washed away by a stream in Oxchuc, while a youth died in Mitontic.

The storm caused landslides that blocked roads in at least 20 locations in Chiapas, a poor region with a majority indigenous population.&nbsp;

The government said five rivers had overflowed their banks, and flooding cut off three towns.

The United States and Guatemala have sent helicopters to Honduras to help with a rescue mission that involves 50,000 emergency services workers, authorities said.

More than 16,000 people have been rescued by boat and helicopter from regions ravaged by Eta, government disaster relief agency the Permanent Contingencies Committee said.

Honduras has declared a "zero zone" in the northern Sula Valley -- the largest alluvial valley in the country.

It is where the second largest city in Honduras, San Pedro Sula, is located.

The Ulua, Chamelecon and Humuya rivers burst their banks, flooding the valley.

Authorities said that more than 1.7 million people and over one million homes in the country of 9.5 million have been affected.

Central America has been badly hit since Eta made landfall in Nicaragua on Tuesday as a powerful hurricane before losing strength.

Authorities in Panama reported 17 deaths and 68 people missing, Security Minister Juan Pino said.

Cuba is bracing for impact, expected on Sunday, as Eta approaches. It has gained strength from a tropical depression to a tropical storm.

Havana has placed provinces in the center of the island nation on alert.

The Civil Defense agency said on Saturday it expected "strong and intense" rainfall over "large parts" of the archipelago.

The meteorological institute said Eta was packing winds of up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) an hour.

Authorities have suspended bus and train services and begun evacuating people from vulnerable areas.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Torrential rain and a bitter cold front linked to storm system Eta have claimed at least 20 lives in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, officials said Saturday.

Torrential rain and a bitter cold front linked to storm system Eta have claimed at least 20 lives in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, officials said Saturday. And authorities in Honduras said flooding in the north and northwest caused by torrential downpours had now left 23 people dead after another 10 people lost their lives on Friday. The government of Chiapas -- which borders Guatemala, where about 150 people are dead or missing in the wake of the storm -- said 10 bodies were found in the river in the town of Chenalho. Early reports indicated they had been swept away by powerful currents. Eight other people died in the cities of El Bosque and La Grandeza, the government said. Another person was washed away by a stream in Oxchuc, while a youth died in Mitontic. The storm caused landslides that blocked roads in at least 20 locations in Chiapas, a poor region with a majority indigenous population. The government said five rivers had overflowed their banks, and flooding cut off three towns. The United States and Guatemala have sent helicopters to Honduras to help with a rescue mission that involves 50,000 emergency services workers, authorities said. More than 16,000 people have been rescued by boat and helicopter from regions ravaged by Eta, government disaster relief agency the Permanent Contingencies Committee said. Honduras has declared a "zero zone" in the northern Sula Valley -- the largest alluvial valley in the country. It is where the second largest city in Honduras, San Pedro Sula, is located. The Ulua, Chamelecon and Humuya rivers burst their banks, flooding the valley. Authorities said that more than 1.7 million people and over one million homes in the country of 9.5 million have been affected. Central America has been badly hit since Eta made landfall in Nicaragua on Tuesday as a powerful hurricane before losing strength. Authorities in Panama reported 17 deaths and 68 people missing, Security Minister Juan Pino said. Cuba is bracing for impact, expected on Sunday, as Eta approaches. It has gained strength from a tropical depression to a tropical storm. Havana has placed provinces in the center of the island nation on alert. The Civil Defense agency said on Saturday it expected "strong and intense" rainfall over "large parts" of the archipelago. The meteorological institute said Eta was packing winds of up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) an hour. Authorities have suspended bus and train services and begun evacuating people from vulnerable areas.

Storm Eta death tolls rise in Mexico, Honduras

A Mexican former defense minister has pleaded not guilty to US charges of drug trafficking and money laundering while he was a key figure in President Enrique Pena Nieto's 2012-2018 administration.

Salvador Cienfuegos, a 72-year-old retired general nicknamed "The Godfather," is accused of conspiring to produce and distribute "thousands of kilograms" of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana in the US between December 2015 and February 2017, according to documents released by federal prosecutors in New York.

He faces three counts of drug trafficking and one of money laundering -- charges punishable with a minimum of 10 years prison and a maximum of life behind bars.

Thursday's arraignment before Judge Steven Gold was held by teleconference due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cienfuegos "entered a plea of not guilty to charges in the indictment," the district attorney's office said in a statement.

The retired general's next court date is set for November 18. "For now, that proceeding is scheduled to be in-person," the statement read.

According to the indictment, Cienfuegos allegedly abused his position "to help the H-2 Cartel, an extremely violent Mexican drug trafficking organization."

In exchange for bribes he allegedly allowed the H-2 Cartel "to operate with impunity in Mexico."

The indictment was filed by the New York City District Attorney's Office in August 2019, but was only released on October 16 -- the day Cienfuegos was arrested as he landed in the Los Angeles airport.

The charges against the Mexican former official appear to have come from witnesses in the US trial of drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who was sentenced in New York to life in prison in July 2019. 
&nbsp;

A Mexican former defense minister has pleaded not guilty to US charges of drug trafficking and money laundering while he was a key figure in President Enrique Pena Nieto's 2012-2018 administration.

A Mexican former defense minister has pleaded not guilty to US charges of drug trafficking and money laundering while he was a key figure in President Enrique Pena Nieto's 2012-2018 administration. Salvador Cienfuegos, a 72-year-old retired general nicknamed "The Godfather," is accused of conspiring to produce and distribute "thousands of kilograms" of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana in the US between December 2015 and February 2017, according to documents released by federal prosecutors in New York. He faces three counts of drug trafficking and one of money laundering -- charges punishable with a minimum of 10 years prison and a maximum of life behind bars. Thursday's arraignment before Judge Steven Gold was held by teleconference due to the coronavirus pandemic. Cienfuegos "entered a plea of not guilty to charges in the indictment," the district attorney's office said in a statement. The retired general's next court date is set for November 18. "For now, that proceeding is scheduled to be in-person," the statement read. According to the indictment, Cienfuegos allegedly abused his position "to help the H-2 Cartel, an extremely violent Mexican drug trafficking organization." In exchange for bribes he allegedly allowed the H-2 Cartel "to operate with impunity in Mexico." The indictment was filed by the New York City District Attorney's Office in August 2019, but was only released on October 16 -- the day Cienfuegos was arrested as he landed in the Los Angeles airport. The charges against the Mexican former official appear to have come from witnesses in the US trial of drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who was sentenced in New York to life in prison in July 2019.

Former Mexican defence minister pleads not guilty to US drug charges

The popular and spooky legend of La Llorona came to life in Mexico City on Saturday night (October 31) for a Day of the Dead tradition adapted for the coronavirus pandemic.

The legend of La Llorona comes to life for a spooky Day of the Dead spectacle

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday nominated the country's first female security minister in charge of coordinating the fight against drug cartels and other criminals.

Lopez Obrador offered the post to Rosa Icela Rodriguez, who currently oversees sea ports and merchant shipping, after Alfonso Durazo resigned to run for governor of Sonora state.

Rodriguez, a former journalist and close ally of Lopez Obrador, has not yet formally accepted the role as she is recovering from the coronavirus, the president said.

Lopez Obrador put Rodriguez in charge of supervising the ports in July as part of a strategy to fight drug trafficking, smuggling and corruption in customs.&nbsp;

As security minister, she would face one of the most complex jobs in the cabinet, in a country plagued by organized crime and cartel violence.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday nominated the country's first female security minister in charge of coordinating the fight against drug cartels and other criminals.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday nominated the country's first female security minister in charge of coordinating the fight against drug cartels and other criminals. Lopez Obrador offered the post to Rosa Icela Rodriguez, who currently oversees sea ports and merchant shipping, after Alfonso Durazo resigned to run for governor of Sonora state. Rodriguez, a former journalist and close ally of Lopez Obrador, has not yet formally accepted the role as she is recovering from the coronavirus, the president said. Lopez Obrador put Rodriguez in charge of supervising the ports in July as part of a strategy to fight drug trafficking, smuggling and corruption in customs. As security minister, she would face one of the most complex jobs in the cabinet, in a country plagued by organized crime and cartel violence.

Mexico names first woman to coordinate war on drugs

A journalist has been shot dead in crime-ridden northern Mexico, authorities said Friday, the sixth such murder this year in one of the world's most dangerous countries for reporters.

Chihuahua state governor Javier Corral condemned the "cowardly" killing of Arturo Alba Medina in&nbsp;Ciudad Juarez near the US border.

Corral said on Twitter that he had told prosecutors to ensure the perpetrators are punished, adding: "Justice will be done."

The 49-year-old journalist and television news show host was assassinated a few minutes after the end of his program on Thursday night, according to media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF).&nbsp;

"This was clearly an execution and his media colleagues where he worked are afraid and don't know the reason for the crime," Balbina Flores, RSF representative in Mexico, told AFP.

Medina's last show included talk of police corruption, the alleged murder of a minor by state agents and clashes between drug traffickers, according to local media.

The journalist's body was found inside a vehicle along with eleven bullet shells, the reports said.

Chihuahua attorney general Cesar Augusto Peniche promised to give "all the resources available to the prosecution to resolve this case."

- 'Silence zones' -

RSF regularly ranks Mexico alongside war-torn Syria and Afghanistan as the world's most dangerous countries for news media.&nbsp;

In September journalist Julio Valdivia was found decapitated in eastern Veracruz state, a flashpoint in turf wars between rival drug cartels.

More than 100 reporters have been murdered since 2000 in Mexico, where asking questions about political corruption or powerful drug cartels can be a deadly business.

Only a fraction of those crimes have resulted in convictions.

Such impunity has led to "silence zones" where journalists have chosen not to investigate topics related to organized crime or corruption for fear of being killed.

In a rare case, a man convicted of ordering the 2017 murder of prominent journalist Miroslava Breach in Chihuahua state was condemned in August to 50 years in prison.

Prosecutors said the sentence was precedent-setting and the longest yet for such a crime.

But rights group Propuesta Civica called for further investigations of others involved as well as an inquiry into the "possible involvement of officials of the current government of Chihuahua."

Since the killing of Breach, who covered the country's drug war, "many reporters have been forced to quit journalism or not carry out investigations," Flores said. 
&nbsp;

A journalist has been shot dead in crime-ridden northern Mexico, authorities said Friday, the sixth such murder this year in one of the world's most dangerous countries for reporters.

A journalist has been shot dead in crime-ridden northern Mexico, authorities said Friday, the sixth such murder this year in one of the world's most dangerous countries for reporters. Chihuahua state governor Javier Corral condemned the "cowardly" killing of Arturo Alba Medina in Ciudad Juarez near the US border. Corral said on Twitter that he had told prosecutors to ensure the perpetrators are punished, adding: "Justice will be done." The 49-year-old journalist and television news show host was assassinated a few minutes after the end of his program on Thursday night, according to media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF). "This was clearly an execution and his media colleagues where he worked are afraid and don't know the reason for the crime," Balbina Flores, RSF representative in Mexico, told AFP. Medina's last show included talk of police corruption, the alleged murder of a minor by state agents and clashes between drug traffickers, according to local media. The journalist's body was found inside a vehicle along with eleven bullet shells, the reports said. Chihuahua attorney general Cesar Augusto Peniche promised to give "all the resources available to the prosecution to resolve this case." - 'Silence zones' - RSF regularly ranks Mexico alongside war-torn Syria and Afghanistan as the world's most dangerous countries for news media. In September journalist Julio Valdivia was found decapitated in eastern Veracruz state, a flashpoint in turf wars between rival drug cartels. More than 100 reporters have been murdered since 2000 in Mexico, where asking questions about political corruption or powerful drug cartels can be a deadly business. Only a fraction of those crimes have resulted in convictions. Such impunity has led to "silence zones" where journalists have chosen not to investigate topics related to organized crime or corruption for fear of being killed. In a rare case, a man convicted of ordering the 2017 murder of prominent journalist Miroslava Breach in Chihuahua state was condemned in August to 50 years in prison. Prosecutors said the sentence was precedent-setting and the longest yet for such a crime. But rights group Propuesta Civica called for further investigations of others involved as well as an inquiry into the "possible involvement of officials of the current government of Chihuahua." Since the killing of Breach, who covered the country's drug war, "many reporters have been forced to quit journalism or not carry out investigations," Flores said.

Journalist murdered in Mexico, sixth this year

Mexico prepared on Thursday for more low key annual Day of the Dead celebrations. Markets at this time of the year would normally be crowded with people looking for sugar skulls, candy and paper decorations to decorate the burial places of their deceased loved ones, but most are virtually empty, with few people venturing out because of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

Amid pandemic Mexicans prepare for Day of the Dead

Throngs of faithful lined the exterior of Mexico City's San Hipolito Church to pray to San Judas Tadeo, the Saint petitioned for "lost causes,'' in the midst of the pandemic.

Social distancing forgotten as throngs pray to San Judas Tadeo in Mexico

As the world deals with a deadly disease that risks bringing death to everyone's door, Mexico City's Museo del Carmen opens its doors with a Day of the Dead offering dedicated to health workers on the frontline of the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

Mexico's Day of the Dead offering honours health workers on COVID-19 pandemic frontline

Mexico's Day of the Dead offering honours health workers on coronavirus pandemic frontline

Hurricane Zeta, the 11th of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, has made landfall in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.

It made landfall late Monday night after strengthening into a hurricane earlier in the day.

According to forecasters, Zeta is expected to hit the already-battered US Gulf Coast later this week as a Category 1 hurricane.

Zeta is likely to re-strengthen as it moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday and the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday.

Zeta is the 27th named storm of an already historic hurricane season. This year's season has so many storms that the hurricane center has turned to the Greek alphabet after running out of official names.

Zeta is the furthest into the Greek alphabet the Atlantic season has gone.

There was also a Tropical Storm Zeta in 2005. 
&nbsp;

Hurricane Zeta, the 11th of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, has made landfall in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.

Hurricane Zeta, the 11th of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, has made landfall in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. It made landfall late Monday night after strengthening into a hurricane earlier in the day. According to forecasters, Zeta is expected to hit the already-battered US Gulf Coast later this week as a Category 1 hurricane. Zeta is likely to re-strengthen as it moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday and the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday. Zeta is the 27th named storm of an already historic hurricane season. This year's season has so many storms that the hurricane center has turned to the Greek alphabet after running out of official names. Zeta is the furthest into the Greek alphabet the Atlantic season has gone. There was also a Tropical Storm Zeta in 2005.

Hurricane Zeta makes landfall in Mexico; expected to hit US as Category 1 hurricane

Mexico's tradition of 'Lucha Libre' wrestling is looking for ways to survive the coronavirus pandemic at Xochimilco, dubbed "the Venice of Mexico," a UNESCO World Heritage Site that still preserves much of its pre-Hispanic stylings.

Masked wrestlers perform Lucha Libre show in Mexico

A group of LGBT activists opened a cultural center called "Eucalyptus 20" a few months ago in an old house in the Mexican capital's downtown where they show LGBT art without prejudice.

LGBT activists open culture center to show art without prejudice

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide the legality of one of President Donald Trump`s hardline immigration policies that has forced tens of thousands of migrants along the southern border to wait in Mexico, rather than entering the United States, while their asylum claims are processed.

The justices will hear a Trump administration appeal of a 2019 lower court ruling that found the policy likely violated federal immigration law. The program, called Migrant Protection Protocols, remains in effect because the Supreme Court in March put the lower court`s decision to block the policy on hold while the legal battle continues.

The Republican president has said the "remain in Mexico" policy, which took effect in January 2019, has reduced the flow of migrants from Central America into the United States. Restricting both illegal and legal immigration has been a central theme of Trump`s presidency. He has sought to reduce asylum claims through a series of policy and rule changes.

Immigration advocacy groups and 11 individual asylum seekers who fled violence in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras were returned to Mexico after entering the United States filed suit to challenge the legality of the policy.

The "remain in Mexico" policy, which represented a fundamental change to previous U.S. practice, is one of the steps Trump has taken to try to prevent large-scale migration from Central America and other countries across the U.S.-Mexican border. His administration has said allowing the thousands of asylum seekers across the border would swamp the U.S. immigration system and damage American relations with Mexico.

A federal judge blocked the program nationwide, saying that forcing these asylum applicants to wait in Mexico was contrary to the text of the Immigration and Nationality Act and violated treaty-based obligations to not send refugees back to the dangerous countries from which they came.

The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in February partially upheld that ruling. The Supreme Court then put the injunction on hold, allowing the Trump administration to continue to carry out the asylum policy.

Migrants in the program, many of them children, have faced violence and homelessness in Mexico while awaiting court dates. Human rights groups have documented cases of kidnappings, rapes and assaults.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide the legality of one of President Donald Trump`s hardline immigration policies that has forced tens of thousands of migrants along the southern border to wait in Mexico, rather than entering the United States, while their asylum claims are processed.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide the legality of one of President Donald Trump`s hardline immigration policies that has forced tens of thousands of migrants along the southern border to wait in Mexico, rather than entering the United States, while their asylum claims are processed. The justices will hear a Trump administration appeal of a 2019 lower court ruling that found the policy likely violated federal immigration law. The program, called Migrant Protection Protocols, remains in effect because the Supreme Court in March put the lower court`s decision to block the policy on hold while the legal battle continues. The Republican president has said the "remain in Mexico" policy, which took effect in January 2019, has reduced the flow of migrants from Central America into the United States. Restricting both illegal and legal immigration has been a central theme of Trump`s presidency. He has sought to reduce asylum claims through a series of policy and rule changes. Immigration advocacy groups and 11 individual asylum seekers who fled violence in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras were returned to Mexico after entering the United States filed suit to challenge the legality of the policy. The "remain in Mexico" policy, which represented a fundamental change to previous U.S. practice, is one of the steps Trump has taken to try to prevent large-scale migration from Central America and other countries across the U.S.-Mexican border. His administration has said allowing the thousands of asylum seekers across the border would swamp the U.S. immigration system and damage American relations with Mexico. A federal judge blocked the program nationwide, saying that forcing these asylum applicants to wait in Mexico was contrary to the text of the Immigration and Nationality Act and violated treaty-based obligations to not send refugees back to the dangerous countries from which they came. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in February partially upheld that ruling. The Supreme Court then put the injunction on hold, allowing the Trump administration to continue to carry out the asylum policy. Migrants in the program, many of them children, have faced violence and homelessness in Mexico while awaiting court dates. Human rights groups have documented cases of kidnappings, rapes and assaults.

US Supreme Court to review legality of Trump's 'remain in Mexico' asylum policy

: If it's the Day of the Dead in Mexico you are certain to see the bright orange flowers of the Mexican marigold decorating streets, homes, cemeteries and the traditional altars that honor deceased loved ones. But, that color will be dimmer this year as restrictions imposed to halt the spread of the coronavirus will keep people inside and cemeteries where families go to visit the graves of their ancestors will remain closed.

Mexico's Day of the Dead flower growers wither as coronavirus stems

Former Mexican defence secretary's arrest in Los Angeles for drug charges. He was charged with drug trafficking and money laundering while holding public office on Friday, October 16.

Mexico's Ex-defence minister arrested of aiding drug cartel

Residents of Mexico City awoke on Tuesday (October 13) to find colourful skulls lining the capital's Reforma boulevard, as part of festivities in the lead up to Day of the Dead celebrations.

Colourful skulls line Mexico City street ahead of Day of the Dead

Mexico has alleged that it identified two Mexican migrant women who may have had surgery performed on them without their consent while detained at a US immigration center in the state of Georgia.

The foreign ministry said that while being held at the Irwin center in Georgia, one Mexican woman was reportedly subject to gynaecological surgery without her approval and without receiving post-operative care.

In its statement, the Mexican foreign ministry said the woman was not subject to a hysterectomy -- a surgery to remove the uterus, adding its findings were based on actions taken by consular staff and interviews Mexican officials conducted at the center.

Officials were also verifying the case of a second woman who may have been subject to surgical intervention "without her full consent," without receiving an explanation of the procedure, or her medical diagnosis.

The ministry had last month said it had identified a woman possibly subjected to surgery in the center, but did not specify whether she had given her consent.

The ministry also said it is in touch with a lawyer about a possible class action lawsuit by Mexican women who have been detained at the facility.

In September, a complaint by a whistleblower nurse alleged medical abuse within the Georgia detention center, including unauthorised hysterectomies.

ICE Health Service Corps said in September that since 2018 only two people at the center were referred for hysterectomies, based on approved recommendations by specialists.

Mexico has alleged that it identified two Mexican migrant women who may have had surgery performed on them without their consent while detained at a US immigration center in the state of Georgia.

Mexico has alleged that it identified two Mexican migrant women who may have had surgery performed on them without their consent while detained at a US immigration center in the state of Georgia. The foreign ministry said that while being held at the Irwin center in Georgia, one Mexican woman was reportedly subject to gynaecological surgery without her approval and without receiving post-operative care. In its statement, the Mexican foreign ministry said the woman was not subject to a hysterectomy -- a surgery to remove the uterus, adding its findings were based on actions taken by consular staff and interviews Mexican officials conducted at the center. Officials were also verifying the case of a second woman who may have been subject to surgical intervention "without her full consent," without receiving an explanation of the procedure, or her medical diagnosis. The ministry had last month said it had identified a woman possibly subjected to surgery in the center, but did not specify whether she had given her consent. The ministry also said it is in touch with a lawyer about a possible class action lawsuit by Mexican women who have been detained at the facility. In September, a complaint by a whistleblower nurse alleged medical abuse within the Georgia detention center, including unauthorised hysterectomies. ICE Health Service Corps said in September that since 2018 only two people at the center were referred for hysterectomies, based on approved recommendations by specialists.

Two women may have had non-consensual surgery in US detention centre, Mexico says

The Mexican government has removed a prominent bronze statue of Christopher Columbus and surrounded another with high metal fencing ahead of an annual protest that marks the explorer's arrival in the Americas in 1492.

Authorities said it was taken away for restoration work on Saturday but added that it was also time for reflection about Columbus' legacy, triggering speculation in Mexican media that the statue may not be returned.

The statue of the 15th century Italian navigator, along with four Catholic friars, towered over one of the Mexico City's main traffic circles for decades.

Several statues of the explorer, whose Spanish-funded expeditions opened the door to the European conquest of the Americas, have been removed in US cities in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests and the resulting global re-examination of colonisation and slavery.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and the capital's Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum both suggested the measures were taken in part to avoid the statues being vandalised or removed by protesters.

Mexico does not celebrate October 12 as Columbus Day, and it is not a national holiday. Instead, the day is used to celebrate Mexico's indigenous cultures and mixed race, or mestizo, population, often marked by large protest marches.

Protesters have called for more attention to the genocide and centuries of colonial oppression that followed Columbus' voyages.

Lopez Obrador has insisted that the Spanish monarchy and Catholic Church should formally apologise for the atrocities committed during the 16th century European invasion of Mexico.

Sheinbaum encouraged all to peacefully reflect on the legacy of Columbus, adding that she would not make any unilateral decision on whether the statue would return to its pedestal, according to daily newspaper El Universal.

The Mexican government has removed a prominent bronze statue of Christopher Columbus and surrounded another with high metal fencing ahead of an annual protest that marks the explorer's arrival in the Americas in 1492.

The Mexican government has removed a prominent bronze statue of Christopher Columbus and surrounded another with high metal fencing ahead of an annual protest that marks the explorer's arrival in the Americas in 1492. Authorities said it was taken away for restoration work on Saturday but added that it was also time for reflection about Columbus' legacy, triggering speculation in Mexican media that the statue may not be returned. The statue of the 15th century Italian navigator, along with four Catholic friars, towered over one of the Mexico City's main traffic circles for decades. Several statues of the explorer, whose Spanish-funded expeditions opened the door to the European conquest of the Americas, have been removed in US cities in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests and the resulting global re-examination of colonisation and slavery. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and the capital's Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum both suggested the measures were taken in part to avoid the statues being vandalised or removed by protesters. Mexico does not celebrate October 12 as Columbus Day, and it is not a national holiday. Instead, the day is used to celebrate Mexico's indigenous cultures and mixed race, or mestizo, population, often marked by large protest marches. Protesters have called for more attention to the genocide and centuries of colonial oppression that followed Columbus' voyages. Lopez Obrador has insisted that the Spanish monarchy and Catholic Church should formally apologise for the atrocities committed during the 16th century European invasion of Mexico. Sheinbaum encouraged all to peacefully reflect on the legacy of Columbus, adding that she would not make any unilateral decision on whether the statue would return to its pedestal, according to daily newspaper El Universal.

Mexico removes Columbus statue ahead of annual protest against his arrival in Americas

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador wrote an open letter to Pope Francis on Saturday and called on the Roman Catholic Church to apologise for atrocities on indigenous people of Mexico during the Spanish conquest in 1500s. Spanish conquest of Latin America including Mexico had wiped out indigenous population and religion. Spanish Conquistadors, who were Catholic, equated the local relgion to devil worship and destroyed cultural symbols, book, places of worship etc. There were widespread killings. The local Aztec Empire soon fell.

"The Catholic Church, the Spanish monarchy and the Mexican government should make a public apology for the offensive atrocities that Indigenous people suffered," the letter from the Mexican president states.

In the same letter, Obrador has requested the Vatican to lend some ancient and pre-Hispanic Mexican and colonial-era documents.

One of the three codicies, or books, requested is the Codex Borgia, an especially colorful screen-fold book spread across dozens of pages that depicts gods and rituals from ancient central Mexico.

It is one of the best-preserved examples of pre-conquest Aztec-style writing that exists, after Catholic authorities in colonial-era Mexico dismissed such codicies as the work of the devil and ordered hundreds or even thousands of them burned in the decades following the 1521 conquest.

In the letter, Lopez Obrador requests the Vatican return the Codex Borgia, two other ancient codicies as well as its maps of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan for a one-year loan in 2021.

The Vatican has not yet responded to the request, but its museums and archives have in the past lent out various manuscripts and works of art after similar requests from other countries.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador wrote an open letter to Pope Francis on Saturday and called on the Roman Catholic Church to apologise for atrocities on indigenous people of Mexico during the Spanish conquest in 1500s.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador wrote an open letter to Pope Francis on Saturday and called on the Roman Catholic Church to apologise for atrocities on indigenous people of Mexico during the Spanish conquest in 1500s. Spanish conquest of Latin America including Mexico had wiped out indigenous population and religion. Spanish Conquistadors, who were Catholic, equated the local relgion to devil worship and destroyed cultural symbols, book, places of worship etc. There were widespread killings. The local Aztec Empire soon fell. "The Catholic Church, the Spanish monarchy and the Mexican government should make a public apology for the offensive atrocities that Indigenous people suffered," the letter from the Mexican president states. In the same letter, Obrador has requested the Vatican to lend some ancient and pre-Hispanic Mexican and colonial-era documents. One of the three codicies, or books, requested is the Codex Borgia, an especially colorful screen-fold book spread across dozens of pages that depicts gods and rituals from ancient central Mexico. It is one of the best-preserved examples of pre-conquest Aztec-style writing that exists, after Catholic authorities in colonial-era Mexico dismissed such codicies as the work of the devil and ordered hundreds or even thousands of them burned in the decades following the 1521 conquest. In the letter, Lopez Obrador requests the Vatican return the Codex Borgia, two other ancient codicies as well as its maps of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan for a one-year loan in 2021. The Vatican has not yet responded to the request, but its museums and archives have in the past lent out various manuscripts and works of art after similar requests from other countries. (With inputs from Reuters)

Mexico asks Pope to apologise for atrocities during Spanish conquests

Mexico has accused the US of forcing women to undergo surgeries at the US immigration detention centres. The allegation has been made directly by the Mexican foreign ministry.

The accusation was made through a statement on Saturday in which the foreign ministry claimed that their consulate in Atlanta has identified cases of a privately run detention centre in the state of Georgia. This centre allegedly is run in very bad conditions including&nbsp;irregularities related to sterilizations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-asks-pope-to-apologise-for-atrocities-during-spanish-conquests-334378/amp">Also read:&nbsp;Mexico asks Pope to apologise for atrocities during Spanish conquests</a>

In the accusation, it has been stated that at least two women were forced to undergo a surgery without her consent. Allegedly one woman at the centre in Georgia had undergone "a surgical intervention" — but not a hysterectomy — and had not even received any post-operative care.

"The consulate general requested the opinion of a medical specialist who, after an exhaustive review of the file, considers that there are irregularities or anomalies in the medical procedure," the document read.

The second case is also of a woman from the same centre in Georgia who could have&nbsp;"undergone gynecological surgery without her full consent, without having received an explanation in Spanish of the medical diagnosis or the nature of the medical procedures that would be performed."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-men-on-trial-over-death-of-39-vietnamese-migrants-in-uk-truck-container-333250">Also read:&nbsp;Four men on trial over death of 39 Vietnamese migrants in UK truck container</a>

This allegation has come almost a month after the Mexican government started investigating&nbsp;whether six of its citizens were sterilized without their consent at the immigration detention center in Irwin County.

These cases came to light after a nurse from the centre explained the conditions the detainees are kept in. She particularly talked about the ill living conditions of the people who are detained under the&nbsp;Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. She explained how the women detainees were forced to undergo this operation without them understanding the procedure due to the barrier of language.

Mexico has accused the US of forcing women to undergo surgeries at the US immigration detention centres. The allegation has been made directly by the Mexican foreign ministry.

Mexico has accused the US of forcing women to undergo surgeries at the US immigration detention centres. The allegation has been made directly by the Mexican foreign ministry. The accusation was made through a statement on Saturday in which the foreign ministry claimed that their consulate in Atlanta has identified cases of a privately run detention centre in the state of Georgia. This centre allegedly is run in very bad conditions including irregularities related to sterilizations. Also read: Mexico asks Pope to apologise for atrocities during Spanish conquests In the accusation, it has been stated that at least two women were forced to undergo a surgery without her consent. Allegedly one woman at the centre in Georgia had undergone "a surgical intervention" — but not a hysterectomy — and had not even received any post-operative care. "The consulate general requested the opinion of a medical specialist who, after an exhaustive review of the file, considers that there are irregularities or anomalies in the medical procedure," the document read. The second case is also of a woman from the same centre in Georgia who could have "undergone gynecological surgery without her full consent, without having received an explanation in Spanish of the medical diagnosis or the nature of the medical procedures that would be performed." Also read: Four men on trial over death of 39 Vietnamese migrants in UK truck container This allegation has come almost a month after the Mexican government started investigating whether six of its citizens were sterilized without their consent at the immigration detention center in Irwin County. These cases came to light after a nurse from the centre explained the conditions the detainees are kept in. She particularly talked about the ill living conditions of the people who are detained under the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. She explained how the women detainees were forced to undergo this operation without them understanding the procedure due to the barrier of language.

Mexico accuses US of performing surgeries on women without consent

The effects of the hurricane Delta are beginning to be felt in southwestern Louisiana. Watch report.

Hurricane Delta: Locals survey damage inflicted by Delta

There was no formal opening or personal interaction with fans. Instead, Gabriel Orozco, the Mexican artist with a continents-spanning perspective, promoted his new collage watercolors with a dramatic, screen-friendly teaser.

Art star Gabriel Orozco's pandemic: a screen-friendly opening and new introspection

Mexican inflation cooled to 4.01% in the year through September as consumer prices for energy dropped and food price rises were lower.

Mexico annual inflation cools to 4.01% till September

Hurricane Delta weakened to a Category 3 storm ahead of its expected landfall Wednesday on the Yucatan peninsula.

Mexico braces for 'catastrophic' hurricane Delta

Even as it moved to hit Cancun in Mexico, Hurricane Delta weakened to a category 3 hurricane on Wednesday. The US National Hurricane Center released the information. The hurricane is about 130 km east-south east of Cozumel, Mexico. In spite of its weakening, Hurricane Delta still packs a punch at maximum sustained winds of 195 kph. It is expected to strenthen again when it moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico Wednesday night and Thursday, the NHC said.

As authorities in Cancun prepared for the onslaught of Delta, shops were closed and tourists were evacuated from beach hotels.

One of the strongest hurricanes to threaten Cancun in years, Delta's arrival is a blow to Mexican efforts to revive tourism in the surrounding beach-lined state of Quintana Roo, where the industry has been battered by the coronavirus pandemic.

"I want to go home, this is crazy," said Dee Harris, a 29-year-old from Michigan who came to Cancun with his partner and had been due to leave before the storm led to the cancellation of their flight. "The vacation was good before this."

Delta is also disrupting the oil industry, with companies shutting down offshore production platforms and withdrawing workers.

Late on Tuesday, Delta was about 135 miles (217 km) east-southeast of the island of Cozumel, blowing maximum sustained winds of 130 miles per hour (209 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Barreling northwest relatively briskly at 16 mph (26 kph), Delta was expected to pass through Quintana Roo in 10-14 hours, state governor Carlos Joaquin said.

"Hopefully, that speed means it won't do us so much damage," Joaquin told Mexican radio.

Slow-moving hurricanes often do more destruction than those with faster lateral movement because they have more time to unleash their force on structures.

Delta is expected to lose some wind power over the peninsula before gathering strength again in the Gulf of Mexico.

On Tuesday, residents queued at supermarkets to stock up on provisions in anticipation of disruptions, while the state government readied shelters that need extra space due to coronavirus social-distancing requirements.

Officials ordered the evacuation of Cancun's hotel zone and other coastal areas, while shop workers boarded up windows.

A hurricane watch was in place from the beach town of Tulum westwards, including Cozumel.

Water levels could rise by up to 13 feet (4 m) over normal tide conditions due to Delta, the NHC said.

The Yucatan peninsula had already taken a hit at the weekend from Hurricane Gamma, a smaller storm that damaged property and forced restaurants and other attractions to close.

(With Reuters inputs)

Even as it moved to hit Cancun in Mexico, Hurricane Delta weakened to a category 3 hurricane on Wednesday. The US National Hurricane Center released the information.

Even as it moved to hit Cancun in Mexico, Hurricane Delta weakened to a category 3 hurricane on Wednesday. The US National Hurricane Center released the information. The hurricane is about 130 km east-south east of Cozumel, Mexico. In spite of its weakening, Hurricane Delta still packs a punch at maximum sustained winds of 195 kph. It is expected to strenthen again when it moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico Wednesday night and Thursday, the NHC said. As authorities in Cancun prepared for the onslaught of Delta, shops were closed and tourists were evacuated from beach hotels. One of the strongest hurricanes to threaten Cancun in years, Delta's arrival is a blow to Mexican efforts to revive tourism in the surrounding beach-lined state of Quintana Roo, where the industry has been battered by the coronavirus pandemic. "I want to go home, this is crazy," said Dee Harris, a 29-year-old from Michigan who came to Cancun with his partner and had been due to leave before the storm led to the cancellation of their flight. "The vacation was good before this." Delta is also disrupting the oil industry, with companies shutting down offshore production platforms and withdrawing workers. Late on Tuesday, Delta was about 135 miles (217 km) east-southeast of the island of Cozumel, blowing maximum sustained winds of 130 miles per hour (209 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Barreling northwest relatively briskly at 16 mph (26 kph), Delta was expected to pass through Quintana Roo in 10-14 hours, state governor Carlos Joaquin said. "Hopefully, that speed means it won't do us so much damage," Joaquin told Mexican radio. Slow-moving hurricanes often do more destruction than those with faster lateral movement because they have more time to unleash their force on structures. Delta is expected to lose some wind power over the peninsula before gathering strength again in the Gulf of Mexico. On Tuesday, residents queued at supermarkets to stock up on provisions in anticipation of disruptions, while the state government readied shelters that need extra space due to coronavirus social-distancing requirements. Officials ordered the evacuation of Cancun's hotel zone and other coastal areas, while shop workers boarded up windows. A hurricane watch was in place from the beach town of Tulum westwards, including Cozumel. Water levels could rise by up to 13 feet (4 m) over normal tide conditions due to Delta, the NHC said. The Yucatan peninsula had already taken a hit at the weekend from Hurricane Gamma, a smaller storm that damaged property and forced restaurants and other attractions to close. (With Reuters inputs)

Hurricane Delta weakens into a category 3 hurricane

The Mexican&nbsp;President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrado has ordered for the national army to be deployed along its southern border to put a stop to the incoming migrant caravan.

This decision was announced as&nbsp;thousands of mostly Honduran migrants were traveling through Guatemala, heading for the United States via Mexico.

Obrado has balmed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US election</a>&nbsp;for this sudden movement.&nbsp;"It seems very strange to us. It's very strange that this caravan leaves on the eve of the election in the United States," he told reporters.

"It has to do with the election in the United States. I don't have all the elements but I think there are indications that it was put together for this purpose," Lopez Obrador added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-us-bound-migrants-surge-into-guatemala-331883">Also read:&nbsp;Thousands of US-bound migrants surge into Guatemala</a>

These migrants were mainly young men and were seen across the border from Honduras into Guatemala. The area is under strict regulations right now due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Majority&nbsp;of these migrants were spotted without a face mask.

Asking the migrants to "respect the immigration law",&nbsp;Francisco Garduno, the head of the Mexican migration authority, told reporters that the migrants are "not going to cross". However, he also assured that the government wants to avoid any confrontation and solve the mater peacefully.

Hundreds of military and immigration personnel have been deployed across the border on an emergency basis.

Some migrants returned to their country after the Guatemalan government ordered them to be detained and deported.

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The surge in migrants travelling across the border came after the&nbsp;US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;threatened steep tariffs on Mexico if it fails to restrict the flow of undocumented migrants travelling into the US. Mexico, however, deployed nearly 26,000 troops across the border as a response to the threat.

Trump's administration on Thursday announced the US will admit a record low of 15,000 refugees in the coming year.

The Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrado has ordered for the national army to be deployed along its southern border to put a stop to the incoming migrant caravan.

The Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrado has ordered for the national army to be deployed along its southern border to put a stop to the incoming migrant caravan. This decision was announced as thousands of mostly Honduran migrants were traveling through Guatemala, heading for the United States via Mexico. Obrado has balmed the US election for this sudden movement. "It seems very strange to us. It's very strange that this caravan leaves on the eve of the election in the United States," he told reporters. "It has to do with the election in the United States. I don't have all the elements but I think there are indications that it was put together for this purpose," Lopez Obrador added. Also read: Thousands of US-bound migrants surge into Guatemala These migrants were mainly young men and were seen across the border from Honduras into Guatemala. The area is under strict regulations right now due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Majority of these migrants were spotted without a face mask. Asking the migrants to "respect the immigration law", Francisco Garduno, the head of the Mexican migration authority, told reporters that the migrants are "not going to cross". However, he also assured that the government wants to avoid any confrontation and solve the mater peacefully. Hundreds of military and immigration personnel have been deployed across the border on an emergency basis. Some migrants returned to their country after the Guatemalan government ordered them to be detained and deported. × The surge in migrants travelling across the border came after the US President Donald Trump threatened steep tariffs on Mexico if it fails to restrict the flow of undocumented migrants travelling into the US. Mexico, however, deployed nearly 26,000 troops across the border as a response to the threat. Trump's administration on Thursday announced the US will admit a record low of 15,000 refugees in the coming year.

Mexico deploys military to block migrant caravan; blames US election

Dozens of fragments of human remains were discovered in clandestine graves in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, Mexican authorities said on Monday (September 28), as violence rises in the conflict-torn state.

Human remains found in clandestine graves in central Mexico

Women charged police lines and threw Molotov cocktails at officers in Mexico City on Monday during protests demanding the legalization of abortion in the majority Roman Catholic country.

Mexican women demanding legalization of abortion clash with police

One of the main ways to fight the spread of coronavirus is washing hands. But for many families in one of Mexico City's poorest neighbourhoods, this is not an option due to the lack of clean water.

In San Gregorio, poverty rates hover around 40 percent according to the latest government data. There are some places with no running water with which one can wash your hands, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

It rains in Mexico City almost every day for six months per year. Yet years of poor city planning, a lack of infrastructure investment and corruption have led to severe water shortages.

Oil drum-sized blue plastic containers, often grouped together -- called "pipas" -- are used to deposit water, which is later used by the barrels' owners.

For families for who the amount of water does not last all day, people use the water for washing dishes and clothes, and buys drinking water. Each bottle of water costs 150 pesos.

As for the laundry, there are public washing stations.

Government data from 2018 shows that about 20 percent of Mexico City's population doesn't have access to water every day.

Coronavirus has claimed more than 730,000 cases and 76,430 deaths across the country.

One of the main ways to fight the spread of coronavirus is washing hands. But for many families in one of Mexico City's poorest neighbourhoods, this is not an option due to the lack of clean water.

One of the main ways to fight the spread of coronavirus is washing hands. But for many families in one of Mexico City's poorest neighbourhoods, this is not an option due to the lack of clean water. In San Gregorio, poverty rates hover around 40 percent according to the latest government data. There are some places with no running water with which one can wash your hands, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. It rains in Mexico City almost every day for six months per year. Yet years of poor city planning, a lack of infrastructure investment and corruption have led to severe water shortages. Oil drum-sized blue plastic containers, often grouped together -- called "pipas" -- are used to deposit water, which is later used by the barrels' owners. For families for who the amount of water does not last all day, people use the water for washing dishes and clothes, and buys drinking water. Each bottle of water costs 150 pesos. As for the laundry, there are public washing stations. Government data from 2018 shows that about 20 percent of Mexico City's population doesn't have access to water every day. Coronavirus has claimed more than 730,000 cases and 76,430 deaths across the country.

Mexico City is struggling to enforce hand washing amid pandemic. Here's why

Women charged police lines in Mexico City on Monday (September 28) during protests demanding the legalisation of abortion in the majority Roman Catholic country.

Police and protesters face off at protest for legalised abortion in Mexico

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