Sheinbaum Says Colombia Blocked Mexico Rescue Team After 7.4 Quake Over Certification
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 13
Sheinbaum Says Colombia Blocked Mexico Rescue Team After 7.4 Quake Over Certification
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 13
Summary
Claudia Sheinbaum said Colombia refused entry to a Mexican military rescue team after first indicating it had traveled, saying Bogotá demanded an additional certification despite the unit already being certified.
Colombia says the restriction is procedural, not political: Foreign Minister Omar Bula said no country was excluded, and disaster officials said only INSARAG-recognized teams would be accepted.
The dispute has sharpened scrutiny of President Abelardo de la Espriella's new government, which has been accused of sidelining offers from left-led countries while formalizing teams from the US, El Salvador, Ecuador and Israel.
At least 273 people have been killed, more than 3,800 injured and 377 remain missing after Monday's earthquake, with the 72-hour rescue window already passed and hopes of finding survivors fading.
Mexico has still sent food and medical supplies, while Colombia has also received US rescue personnel, offers from Peru and Brazil, and a $10 million UAE donation as it prepares an economic emergency and reconstruction fund.