Panama authorities have vowed to catch and deport more United States-bound migrants crossing the dangerous Darien jungle on its border with Colombia.

The country's national director for migration Samira Gozaine told reporters in Panama City on Friday that the government intends to make use of chartered flights to increase the number of expulsions.

Since the beginning of 2023, more than 348,000 migrants, mainly Venezuelans, crossed the Darien jungle — far more than the record of 248,000 crossers for the whole of 2022.

Last month, between 2,500 and 3,000 migrants per day entered Panama from Colombia on average, compelling the authorities to set up reception centers with the aid of international agencies.

Since April, the Panamanian authorities have expelled nearly 500 people, Gozaine said.

Thousands of migrants arriving via Colombia risk their lives every year beating a path through the thick, swampy Darien, a roadless jungle area replete with wild animals, dangerous rivers and criminal gangs.

Last year, at least 52 people died in the jungle, according to authorities.

WITH AFP