The surge in virus cases across chunks of Latin America comes at a time when other regions, especially Europe and China, are seeing a downward trajectory of new infections.

Many cannot find or are unable to afford a wood coffin, using donated cardboard ones instead.

Frederico Hoyos, Colombia's ambassador to Canada, is calling on the Lima Group to make a renewed push for a new presidential election in Venezuela, one that he says would likely end in the defeat of the country's dictator president, Nicolas Maduro.

"If we didn't have water every 30 minutes, we'd faint," the mother said.

Officers killed two men who planned to commit the attack, which was ordered by commanders of dissident rebels who decided to return to conflict last year.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is also battling record levels of violence, which has caused more friction with the Trump administration.

The daily protests jolting the South American country are proclaiming an unusually diverse set of complaints, though with one similar refrain: an opposition to a government that many believe only looks after the most privileged citizens.

Dilan Cruz, an 18-year-old high school student, died two days after being hit in the head by a projectile reportedly fired by riot police during a protest. His case has resonated in Colombian society, touching off a debate about excessive use of force and making him a symbol for many young protesters.

More than 250,000 people marched on Thursday to express growing discontent with President Ivan Duque's government.

The protests were largely peaceful but by early evening turned increasingly violent as demonstrators hurled rocks at riot police, who responded with tear gas