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Costa Rican Border At Sixaola On Alert Due To Protests In Panama

The Costa Rican border in the Talamanca region is on high alert due to the protests and disturbances by banana workers in Bocas del Toro in Panama, as Friday’s clash with police resulted in one death, four policemen taken hostage and more than 100 injured.

Costa Rican officials fear that the violence could move north.

The areas in Panama affected are Guabito, which on Friday was desolate, not one shop opening its doors, while several stores were looted in Las Tablas and Changinola.

The Cruz Roja Costarricense (Costa Rican Red Cross) has sent more manpower to the border to assist the injured in Panama who do not have medical help available.

The border crossing at Sixaola is the crossing point affected. Reports indicate that Panamanians seeking refuge in Costa Rica are being stopped at the border by Panamanian officials.

The border crossing at Paso Canoas is not affected, though there is an increased alert.