Humanitarian caravan heads to blockaded southern Mexican town

In Southern Mexico, A humanitarian aid caravan set out today for a blockaded rural town in a second attempt to deliver food, water, and clothing to residents. Around 350 caravan participants left Mexico City Monday night for the Mixtec highlands of Oaxaca, where they were met by another 40 people who left Oaxaca City early this morning.

The last caravan to attempt to reach Copala was attacked in April and two people were killed. This time, the paramilitary organization accused of carrying out the attack issued a statement warning of a massive blockade along the town's vehicle access road, but volunteer Gustavo Vilchis said caravan participants remain positive.

"I see all the caravan members as highly motivated despite all of the rumors circulating about the highway conditions and the sudden changes to the agenda which have caused confusion. We're all really motivated. Last night flew by because we were all up talking, laughing, and discussing. The last thing I see in my companions is fear. I see a lot of conviction in what we're about to do."

The indigenous Triqui region the caravan is headed to is the site of a long-running conflict that has killed hundreds and unleashed a spiral of violent killings over the decades. The outside influence at the start of the conflict often goes unmentioned in media coverage and official statements about the nature of the conflict.

Father Wilfredo Mayen, a priest who helped to organize the caravan departing from Oaxaca City, says civil society should push for a reconciliation process among the disputing factions in the region.

"We have to look for the way to restore harmony, peace, and tranquility among the inhabitants - not only so they can live in calm, but to allow the development desired in the region - which in reality are the most basic living conditions all humans need."

Amnesty International asked the Mexican government and the state government of Oaxaca on Monday to ensure safe passage of the caravan. The state government has responded to requests for safety guarantees with warnings not to go to the region. As we go to air, caravan participants report state police patrols are blocking the road that leads to San Juan Copala. Meanwhile, in response, Activists in Oaxaca City shut down a major city intersection.