Sheinbaum denies tensions after Colombia rejects Mexican rescue brigade
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday denied any "conflict" with Colombia after its government declined Mexico's offer to send a military rescue brigade following the deadly earthquake.
Speaking at her morning press conference in Mexico City, Sheinbaum corrected remarks from the previous day, when she said the rescuers were already heading to Colombia alongside 19.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid.
"To clarify, the Secretariat of National Defence rescue brigade was not approved by the Colombian Government," Sheinbaum said.
"It is not a conflict; there is no problem," she added, explaining that Colombia had requested food and medicines but required certification for rescue teams.
Mexico is continuing to send humanitarian aid aboard Hercules aircraft, including food and medical supplies requested by Colombian authorities. Sheinbaum said the military rescue brigade remained ready to deploy if authorised, noting that its members had participated in rescue operations in 98 countries.
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According to the Mexican government, the brigade comprises 255 personnel from the Army, Air Force and National Guard, along with 20 K-9 teams.
Colombia has limited the entry of international rescue teams, although Mexico's Topos Azteca and two US-provided teams have been authorised. The earthquake has killed at least 265 people, injured 3,494 and left 496 missing, according to the latest figures. More than 25,000 families have been affected.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
