The sun rises in Queens, where an extensive Latin community prepares to face a day filled with uncertainty. Rosita, a worried mother, turns on the radio as her son Erick gets ready for school. However, the news they hear plunges them into a state of shock.
"Huge explosion in the city of Coltzin likely causes gasoline pipeline explosion due to organized crime," announces the radio voice. Rosita stands still, thinking about her husband Carlos, who is stationed in that area with his squad. Fear takes hold of her, and a cold sweat soaks her body. With trembling hands, she grabs the phone and tries to call her husband, but only silence greets her from the other end of the line.
Desperate, she decides to call the headquarters for answers and reassurance. However...
"The lines are busy. Please wait, and we will assist you as soon as possible," the voice on the other end informs her.
Frustration and fear intertwine in her voice when she finally manages to speak with a woman.
"I need to know about my husband," Rosita says, her voice choked and nervous.
"For security reasons, we cannot provide information about military operations. Please remain calm and avoid disclosing any details that may compromise missions and unit security. Is there anything else I can assist you with?" the woman tries to convey understanding.
"Please, ma'am, my husband is on the battlefield in the city of Coltzin," Rosita insists through tears.
"I reiterate that I cannot do or say anything. The lines are busy. I'm afraid I'll have to end the call. If there is any further information, you will be contacted at the soldier's contact number. Thank you very much." The call is disconnected.
Rosita remains silent, her heart tight and her mind filled with unanswered questions. Meanwhile, across the United States, similar situations of anguish and despair repeat themselves over and over again. News channels are filled with stories of chaos and tragedy, and the most important channel, GNN, with its star presenter named Tater Loret de Kline, displays her charismatic face while reporting on the ongoing events.
"Moving on from the terrible news of the pipeline running through the city of Coltzin, the satellite signal shifts to a new revelation. Baja California and Sonora have been freed from the oppressive grip of cartels, and a referendum is announced in the next six months for their possible annexation to the United States," Tater narrates the news with a smile on her face.
Throughout the day, GNN is dedicated to broadcasting reports about the people who have suffered under the control of drug traffickers in the border area. However, towards the afternoon, on independent virtual news channels, reporters begin to share shocking videos. In one of them, journalist Emiliano Vega, who had previously documented the lives of the inhabitants of Coltzin, shows footage of a dozen drones hovering over the city. In a chilling moment, the drones are seen releasing gas and then exploding. These are thermobaric bombs designed to decimate an entire city.
In the videos, Emiliano Vega explains how, despite the devastation, the US soldiers fail to make progress. The drug cartel militants have taken refuge in the underground tunnels of the city, escaping the fire and avoiding the full impact of the explosions. The number of victims is heart-wrenching, with a large number of civilians who were starting to flee the city or refused to leave their homes and belongings.
The situation becomes even murkier when Charles Johnson, the Secretary of Defense of the United States, holds a press conference in response to the accusations.
"We have taken the necessary measures to save Mexico from the cartels. The drone model in the photos cannot carry such a payload, as those bombs are truly heavy. It is obvious that the pipeline running through the area suggests that the illegal activities of the drug traffickers would have led to the inevitable destruction of the place," he responds firmly.
As the truth spreads through various media outlets, citizens are confronted with a distorted reality. While official news tries to justify the military action, independent reporters and survivor testimonies reveal a much more complex and devastating picture. The future of Coltzin and those who dared to resist remains uncertain, while the truth is obscured between the official narrative, and the struggle for justice and transparency continues in a world where reality is questioned at every turn.
"But there are reports from the Mexican president himself denying the existence of pipelines in that area," asserts John, a reporter from a lesser-known radio outlet, raising his voice among the crowd. "Furthermore, Russian television accuses the United States Navy of committing genocide."
"Obviously, those claims are lies. Our multicultural army has the support of all ethnicities and cultures to eradicate drug trafficking," responds Secretary of Defense Johnson, maintaining confidence in his words. "The cities under our protection enjoy peace and tranquility."
Another reporter takes the floor, raising delicate and concerning questions.
"How do you respond to reports of multiple executions in Sonora, despite the presence of the military in the region? Furthermore, there have been reports of increased human rights violations in indigenous communities, as well as kidnappings and executions by organized crime in the city. Social discontent is also on the rise," asks the reporter, seeking clear answers.
"Our military is present in that area, so those claims are unfounded. When we entered Iraq and Afghanistan, the local people showed their gratitude," Johnson responds with full confidence in his argument.
However, Michele, a reporter from Channel 24, doesn't give up and exposes the harsh reality.
"The images are undeniable, and there is tolerance from criminal groups in the area, who subject women from other regions of Mexico to sexual slavery. These girls will likely never return home and are used in clubs and brothels in the city to satisfy the American troops," Michele courageously denounces.
Johnson, seeking to maintain his position, responds with an explanation that involves different factions.
"What you are witnessing is a spectacle orchestrated by various factions: from the Mexican government to the opposition party to ours. Additionally, Russia and China are also interested in the area and may be influencing the situation," Johnson argues, trying to undermine the validity of the accusations.
The room fills with murmurs and tensions as journalists and officials engage in a heated debate. The truth becomes increasingly elusive amidst political interests and hidden agendas.
"Damn it! What kind of response is that?" exclaims Ricardo Vega, Emiliano Vega's brother, at the press conference, raising his voice. "I have compelling evidence of what happened in Coltzin. You're covering up the truth!"
"Mr. Vega, we urge you to remain calm and respect the protocol of this press conference," responds the government spokesperson, trying to control the situation.
"Protocol, huh? And what protocol was followed to protect the innocent people of Coltzin?" Ricardo replies indignantly. "You play with people's lives, manipulate information for your convenience, and then pretend to make us believe that everything is under control. I won't allow it!"
The room fills with murmurs and increasing tensions. Other journalists begin to ask probing questions, demanding clear answers and concrete evidence. The Secretary of Defense appears visibly uncomfortable but maintains his firm stance.
"We understand your concerns, but we cannot disclose classified information at this time," the secretary responds. "What I can assure you is that the actions taken were in defense of the security and stability of the region."
The secretary's words barely manage to calm the atmosphere in the room. Journalists continue to press, determined to uncover the truth and expose any cover-ups.
Meanwhile, in Queens, Rosita, Carlos's wife, remains on edge. The contradictory news and evasive government responses only increase her anxiety. She knows her husband is in danger and cannot afford to sit idly by.
Determined to seek answers on her own, Rosita connects to the internet and delves into independent news channels. There, she finds testimonies from other people in similar situations, fighting to uncover the truth behind the events in Coltzin.
Among the testimonies, Rosita discovers a group of activists who refuse to accept the official version. Together, they are determined to reveal the true magnitude of the tragedy and hold those who attempted to conceal it accountable.
Joining forces with this group of brave individuals, Rosita becomes a strong voice demanding justice and transparency. Her determination grows each day as she prepares to face the challenges ahead and find Carlos, no matter the consequences.
In the midst of a confusing and manipulated media landscape, Rosita and other committed individuals become defenders of the truth, willing to challenge official narratives and confront a system that seems to be against them. Their fight is not only for their loved ones but also for all those who have fallen victim to misinformation and oppression.
After the extraordinary session with the Secretary of Defense, GNN broadcasted nationwide the apparent progress and improvement of American society as the war against the cartels progresses, as if it were nationalist propaganda, reminiscent of the black-and-white commercials from that era during the Second World War, yet eerily similar to Nazi propaganda.
In contrast, daily reports indicated a worrying increase in gang members, drug addicts, and unemployment, leaving more people homeless. Something didn't add up, taking the situation beyond mere statistics. The trafficking of women of all ages had become a chilling reality, as had the extremism that had infiltrated different areas of the American nation. Not to mention, the growing presence of narcotics further exacerbated the social crisis.
With courage, Emiliano prepared to face another day, risking his life in search of the truth. He knew that his role as an independent journalist was vital in unraveling hidden realities and giving a voice to those who had been silenced. Every investigation, every interview, and every exposure of the facts were steps towards the revelation of truth and the fight for real change.
Once again, Emiliano embarked on another day, risking his life to uncover the truth.
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