The Government of Colombia did not approve the entry of the Mexican Army's rescue brigade to collaborate in the work after the 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Monday, due to certification requirements, the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, reported this Thursday.

The president clarified during her morning press conference the information she had offered on Wednesday, when she indicated that Mexican military rescuers had traveled to Colombia along with the first shipments of humanitarian aid.

“Yesterday I commented that the rescuers, the Army rescue brigade, had gone to Colombia, but no,” the Mexican leader rectified.

Sheinbaum explained that Colombia requested additional certification to allow the deployment of the Mexican team, which remains prepared to move to the South American country if authorized.

“They asked for certification from Colombia, they are certified, but now they are asking for another certification,” he said.

He highlighted the group's international experience and assured that "they have gone to 98 countries to rescue and work for people in solidarity."

However, he stressed that although the rescue brigade was not approved by the Government of Colombia, "it is ready to leave at any time."

Mexico maintains humanitarian aid

The decision does not affect the sending of Mexican humanitarian assistance. C-130 Hercules planes of the Mexican Air Force transport groceries, medical supplies and other materials requested by the Colombian authorities.

"They asked for support for groceries, water, medicines. So, (the government) sent the groceries, the water, the medicines. And well, there is the offer. It's up to them, well, if they need it, if they support the sending of the brigade to Colombia," he emphasized.

On Wednesday, Mexico began an operation that contemplates the sending of 58.5 tons of aid between August 12 and 14, after the Colombian Government communicated its specific needs to the Mexican Foreign Ministry.

One of those planes returned to Mexico early this Thursday with 36 Mexican citizens who were in vulnerable conditions after the earthquake. The Foreign Ministry reported that everyone arrived in good health.

The refusal of military deployment adds to Colombia's decision not to require the presence of the Topos Tlatelolco Rescue Brigade, a Mexican civil organization specialized in searching among collapsed structures.

Los Topos reported on Wednesday that they would not travel to the country due to the protocols established by the Colombian authorities to coordinate the entry of international teams, so they would concentrate their support on collecting food and supplies from Mexico.

The 7.4 magnitude earthquake shook much of Colombia on Monday and left hundreds dead and injured, in addition to serious material damage in different regions of the country. EFE

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