Articles in this Cluster
23-12-2025
At least 12 bodies were discovered in a wooded area outside Guatemala City over three days, with authorities attributing the deaths to gang violence. The victims were found dumped in an area commonly used by criminals to dispose of corpses. The discovery is linked to the ongoing turf war between rival gangs, Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), which are involved in drug trafficking and extortion. The violence is part of a larger pattern of gang-related crime in Guatemala, which has a high homicide rate. The recent discovery follows a state of emergency declared by Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo in western Guatemala due to similar gang violence.
Entities: Guatemala City, Guatemala, Barrio 18, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Bernardo Arévalo • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-12-2025
More than 240 members of the MS-13 gang were sentenced to hundreds of years in prison in El Salvador for various crimes including homicides and disappearances. One individual, Marvin Abel Hernandez Palacios, received a 1,335-year prison sentence. The sentences were part of a broader crackdown on gangs by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who has been operating under a state of emergency since March 2022. The crackdown has led to the detention of over 90,000 people, with some 8,000 released after being found not guilty. Human rights groups have accused the security forces of committing abuses during this period. The MS-13 gang, formed in Los Angeles in the 1980s, is responsible for a significant number of deaths in El Salvador and has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S.
Entities: MS-13, El Salvador, Mara Salvatrucha, Marvin Abel Hernandez Palacios, Nayib Bukele • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-12-2025
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, discusses the Catholic Church's stance on immigration and deportation policies with Margaret Brennan on 'Face the Nation.' Coakley expresses concern over the dehumanizing rhetoric and violence directed at immigrants and law enforcement, citing anxiety and fear among migrant communities. He emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their immigration status. Coakley also addresses the Trump administration's policies, stating that the Church is willing to engage in dialogue and work together on matters of mutual concern.
Entities: Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Margaret Brennan, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Oklahoma City, Catholic Church • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-12-2025
The article profiles Omar García Harfuch, Mexico's federal security minister, who has been instrumental in reducing the country's murder rate. Despite being a target for drug cartels and surviving an assassination attempt in 2020, Harfuch has made significant contributions to improving security in Mexico. The article highlights his achievements and notes that he has big political ambitions. Mexico's murder rate has decreased from an average of over 30,000 per year since 2018 to around 24,300 in 2025, thanks in part to Harfuch's efforts, as well as the consolidation of drug gangs and improved investigative policing in some states.
Entities: Omar García Harfuch, Mexico, Donald Trump, drug cartels, murder rate • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
23-12-2025
The head of Israel's Mossad, David Barnea, has warned that Iran and ISIS continue to pose a significant threat to Jews worldwide, following a deadly terrorist attack in Australia during a Hanukkah celebration. Barnea stated that the attack, which killed 15 people, reflects a broader and ongoing threat from Iranian-backed networks and jihadist ideology. He vowed that Israel would pursue those responsible and hold them accountable. The attack has sparked calls for a tougher counterterrorism posture in Washington, with some lawmakers praising the Trump administration's efforts to combat terrorism. Israeli intelligence officials have identified or disrupted similar terrorist activity across Europe, Africa, and Asia, and warn that Iran's nuclear program remains a significant concern.
Entities: David Barnea, Mossad, Iran, ISIS, Australia • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-12-2025
Eleven soldiers in Ecuador have been sentenced to over 34 years in prison for their role in the disappearance and murder of four boys aged between 11 and 15 in Guayaquil. The boys were allegedly detained during a night patrol, beaten, and abandoned naked in a rural area where their bodies were later found charred. The incident occurred during a military offensive against organized crime launched by President Daniel Noboa. Five other soldiers who assisted prosecutors received shorter sentences, while a lieutenant colonel was acquitted. The case highlights Ecuador's ongoing struggle with powerful drug cartels and the challenges faced by the authorities in maintaining law and order.
Entities: Ecuador, Guayaquil, Las Malvinas, Daniel Noboa, Jovanny Suarez • Tone: negative • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
