Tragedy struck near Panama's coastal community of Carreto as ten migrants lost their lives in a flooded river while attempting to cross the treacherous Darién Gap. The Panama National Border Service (Senafront) confirmed the incident, highlighting the dangers faced by migrants seeking passage from South America to Central America.
Senafront did not disclose the nationalities of the victims or the exact timing of the tragic event. However, the agency suspects the involvement of transnational organized criminals and local collaborators who may have guided the migrants through unauthorized border crossings, endangering their lives.
The Darién Gap, a rugged rainforest region linking Colombia and Panama, serves as a critical route for migrants aiming to reach destinations like the United States and Canada. Despite the risks posed by the 66-mile journey through this challenging terrain, there has been a surge in migrants willing to undertake the perilous trek.
In response to the escalating migrant crisis, Panama and the United States recently signed an agreement to combat illegal immigration through the Darién Gap. President José Raúl Mulino's administration has taken proactive measures, including deploying barbed wire along various routes in the region to restrict unauthorized entry points.
President Mulino emphasized his commitment to preventing Panama from becoming a conduit for illegal activities orchestrated by international criminal networks involved in drug and human trafficking. Senafront has designated a single authorized migration corridor leading to Cañas Blancas, where specialized patrols offer protection and humanitarian aid to migrants in need.
The tragic incident underscores the perils faced by migrants seeking better opportunities but falling victim to exploitation and hazardous conditions along their journey. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the drowning of the ten migrants, authorities remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity of Panama's borders and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals traversing the Darién Gap.
