Mexico processes visas for Iraqi soccer players despite conflict

The Foreign Ministry manages visas for the Iraq team that will play in Monterrey, avoiding the closure of Iraqi airspace.

Publicado 10 marzo, 2026 el 10 de marzo a las 15:30 | 2 mins reading |4,802 vistas | por Sofía Ramírez

The diplomatic bureaucracy steps up… when the ball is involved

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) announced this Monday that it has already begun to issue visas to the players of the Iraqi soccer team. The team needs to travel to Monterrey for a playoff match on March 31, with a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake.

And how are they achieving it? With a consular operation that sounds more complex than a rehearsed move.

A procedure with a stopover in the Middle East

Iraq’s airspace remains closed due to the conflict in the region. Despite this – the Foreign Ministry tells us with a certain air of self-aggrandizement – the Mexican authorities have “supported all the requests.”

The management has been from three different embassies. On Sunday, some players were documented at the embassy in Saudi Arabia. Tomorrow, Tuesday, it is the turn at the diplomatic headquarters in Qatar.

“Since becoming aware of the visa applications, the Mexican Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has been in communication with the directors of the Iraq Football Federation and the team’s own coach, Graham Arnold,” detailed the SRE.

They haven’t just stayed there. They have also spoken with FIFA, with the Mexican Football Federation and even with the charge d’affaires of the Iraqi Embassy here in Mexico.

All to “reiterate the offer of support and provide all the necessary attention.” Sounds good, right? Almost as if this is standard procedure for anyone who needs an urgent visa.

The truth is that the players and their coaching staff already know the “immigration facilities” they have to enter the country. And in case anyone is missing any paper:

“The provision is reiterated… to facilitate obtaining the documents that may still be required,” the agency concluded.

Now we just have to wait and see if all this diplomatic deployment translates into a full team in the field on the last day of the month. The match is not just anything: it defines who goes to the World Cup.

National

Arrested for femicide in Juxtlahuaca: they demand justice

Relatives demand justice after the arrest of the alleged Delsi feminicide in Oaxaca.

Publicado 26 minutes ago el 27 de julio a las 12:51 | 2 mins reading

Detention in Juxtlahuaca

Rufino González was arrested by the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Oaxaca (FGEO) as a probable person responsible for the feminicide of Delsi A., which occurred in the community of Nican de la Soledad, municipality of Santiago Juxtlahuaca, in the Mixteca region.

The events occurred on July 11, 2026. According to the investigation, after an argument, González attacked his partner with a firearm, causing a head injury. Delsi lost his life due to severe head trauma caused by a projectile.

“After receiving the complaint, the Oaxaca Prosecutor’s Office began the corresponding investigations, collecting interviews, expert opinions and other evidence that made it possible to establish the probable responsibility of the accused and obtain the arrest warrant,” reported the FGEO.

After the crime, Rufino González stated that Delsi had taken his own life. However, the family called for a thorough investigation. “We want justice for Delsi,” “that they investigate well because his family knew about the facts,” have been some of the demands from family members and community authorities. The victim was a mother of two minors, originally from San Miguel Cuevas.

Rufino González was arrested this weekend by elements of the State Investigation Agency and placed at the disposal of the Public Ministry.

Violence figures

So far this year, 47 women have been violently deprived of their lives in Oaxaca, according to monitoring by the Documentation Center of the “Rosario Castellanos” Women’s Studies Group (GESMujer). In more than 50% of cases, the crime was committed with a firearm.

National

Coahuila will create a specialized prosecutor’s office against animal abuse

After cases of cruelty, the government of Coahuila proposes a prosecutor's office to protect animals.

Publicado 46 minutes ago el 27 de julio a las 12:31 | 2 mins reading

Governor Manolo Jiménez announced that in the coming weeks he will present an initiative to create a prosecutor’s office specialized in crimes against sentient beings. The proposal involves a restructuring of the attorney general’s office to strengthen the institutional response to animal abuse.

Recent cases that drive the measure

In Saltillo, the dog Rocky was dragged through several streets tied to a truck. Its owner, Liliana “N”, was linked to the process. Days later, the Environmental Police rescued another dog that had been buried alive and chained, although the animal died on Sunday night. The state prosecutor’s office is investigating this case to determine responsibilities.

In Torreón, the first administrative fine for animal abuse was applied to a dog in poor health conditions and infested with ticks.

Details of the proposal

According to the Executive, having a specialized body will allow for timely and effective follow-up of these crimes. Jiménez stressed that in Coahuila no one is above the law. The prosecution will focus on investigating, prosecuting and punishing mistreatment of sentient beings, with penalties that can reach up to eight years in prison. The objective is to guarantee animal protection and avoid impunity.

National

Machete attack in Ahome leaves young man with serious head injury

Young man injured with machete in Ahome; Authorities investigate assault linked to going out with a friend.

Publicado 2 hours ago el 27 de julio a las 11:15 | 2 mins reading

Machete attack in Ahome

In the community of Agua Nueva, municipality of Ahome, a 27-year-old young man suffered a twelve-centimeter wound to the skull after being attacked with a machete. The victim, identified as Víctor Arturo “N”, was admitted to a hospital in Los Mochis.

The events occurred after the attacked person went for a walk with a friend. When he returned her to her home, a relative of the young woman—according to testimonies—pulled out a machete and hit him on the head. Neighbors helped the injured man and took him to the hospital.

The State Attorney General’s Office was notified of this new attack with a knife. In Sinaloa, the use of machetes outside of agricultural hours and areas is prohibited.

Similar background

On June 8, on the beaches of Las Salinas (Higueras de Zaragoza district, Ahome), a minor suffered a similar attack. According to the report, two young men on a motorcycle attacked him with machetes while he was enjoying the beach. Fishermen in the area intervened and prevented major injuries. The minor was transferred to an IMSS hospital in Los Mochis.

The authorities continue to investigate both cases, with no arrests reported so far.