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The number of migrants in transit to North America that have arrived in Panama this year after crossing the notorious Darién Gap have already surpassed last year’s figures, the government reported Friday.
Those crossing the dangerous jungle region shared with Colombia surpassed last year’s historical figure of 133,726.
“Panama reinforces its humanitarian and security team that works in the border communities because, this Friday, the figure of 134,178 migrants who have entered the country was reached, after crossing the thick Darién jungle,” the Ministry of Public Security said.
The ministry added that to date, 343 boys and 231 girls have been registered in the communities of Bajo Chiquito or in Canaan Membrillo and reception stations, where they are provided with health care, food and accommodation.
While last year the vast majority of irregular migrants were Haitians, this year it is Venezuelans crossing the most with 80,000 so far, according to the National Migration Service (Senafront).
The migrants are all bound for North America, especially the United States.