Briefly

ECUADOR

US-backed airstrikes stir fear in border area

A US-backed crackdown on drug cartels along the Ecuador-Colombia border earlier this month has sparked accusations of bombing farms, destroying homes and detaining and abusing villagers. Ecuador's government claims the strike targeted guerrillas controlling smuggling routes and denies any wrongdoing despite human rights groups' concerns. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the operation, claiming a bomb fell into Colombia from Ecuador.

CUBA

Costa Rica's diplomatic downgrade rejected

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has said that Cuba rejects Costa Rica's unilateral decision to downgrade diplomatic relations to the consular level and close its embassy in Cuba as of April 1, calling it "an unfriendly act" and a response to US pressure. He voiced confidence that the deep-rooted bilateral ties would frustrate such attempts. Costa Rica notified Havana of the move via a diplomatic note on Tuesday, invoking so-called reciprocity.

DENMARK

Report: Plans to counter Greenland grab emerge

Denmark prepared contingency measures in January for a possible US military move against Greenland, including placing explosives to destroy runways in Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq and mobilizing blood banks, Danish broadcaster DR reported. This followed heightened tensions after a US attack on Venezuela and renewed pressure from US President Donald Trump to acquire Greenland. The report noted Denmark sought political support from European allies. Danish and Greenlandic authorities declined to comment.

Agencies - Xinhua