Sheinbaum confirms that Colombia rejected Mexican rescuers despite its international certification

Published at: 13/08/2026 04:19 PM

The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, reported that the Government of Colombia denied the entry of the rescue brigade of the Secretariat of National Defense to join the search after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that left more than 260 dead and nearly 500 missing in northwestern Colombia.

During her morning conference, the president explained that the Colombian administration imposed administrative obstacles on the Mexican team despite having international certification, since they now require an additional guarantee issued by that country's own authorities, according to a press release from Radio Miraflores.

Sheinbaum stressed that the brigade, with experience in relief missions in 98 nations, remains able to move immediately in the face of any authorization.

In contrast, the Mexican Executive has specified the shipment of pantries, medical supplies and other materials requested by the cabinet of President Abelardo de la Espriella using Hercules aircraft.

The president specified that until Friday, more than 58 tons of humanitarian aid, including drinking water and essential medicines, are expected to be transferred to Colombian territory.

The refusal is based on the guidelines of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, whose director, David Tamayo, confirmed during his inauguration that only operational support is accepted from Israel, the United States, El Salvador and Ecuador, considering that they meet all international requirements.

This decision excludes Mexican emergency forces and highlights the political criteria applied in coordinating aid after the disaster.

Mazo News Team