Panama launches a security operation in the Darien jungle, bordering Colombia, to combat criminal gangs that steal or profit from the thousands of migrants who cross this inhospitable area on their way to the United States. During a press conference, Panama's authorities also warn on migrants' deaths caused by floods and hunger during the crossing through the Darien Gap. "the number of children is increasing, not only those who are passing through the crossing, but who are dying in the crossing," says Director of Panama's National Immigration Service Samira Gozaine. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES