Panamanian border police reported that 10 migrants drowned in their attempt to cross Darien Gap, a perilous gap between Panama and Colombia.

National Border Service (Senafront), a service of the National Border Service, said that the bodies were discovered in riverside tributaries close to the Carreto Community.

The report did not mention when the spies were found or give any other details.

According to authorities, migrants who pass through Darien are mainly trying to reach the United States. They expose themselves to organized criminality and jungle dangers. Risks increase during rainy seasons due to the rising river levels.

Panama has sought international assistance to improve border security in response to the increase of migration.

A record-breaking half a millon migrants crossed the Darien Gap last year in search of safety and better economic prospects. By 2024, more than 200,000 migrants will have crossed the jungle. (Reporting and writing by Eli Moreno; Editing by Angus MacSwan).