Latin American Governments Must be Prepared for Iran-Backed Terrorism Threat
The Israel-Hamas conflict exposed complex connections between Iranian-backed influence, illegal trade, money laundering, and propaganda, intertwined with global drug trafficking. Now more than ever, Latin American governments should rethink the threats of terrorism on their soil, a report from Global Americans, a U.S. think tank focused on democracy and human [ … ]
Nicolás Maduro’s aggressive campaign to claim over the Essequibo region that belongs to neighbor Guyana.
Ecuador Boosts Drug Seizures and Destruction in 2023
For the third consecutive year, Ecuador has seized more than 200 tons of drugs, the National Police’s Anti-Drug Investigation Directorate indicated. The amount seized makes it the third country in the hemisphere to seize the most drugs, behind only Colombia and the United States, Ecuadorian daily Primicias reported. In recent [ … ]
Countries of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Vow to Combat Transnational Crime
Senior representatives of countries of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty (ACTO) drew up an ambitious plan for the Amazon region in favor of sustainable development, health, and the fight against transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) that exploit the forest for their gain. Among their latest resolutions, approved during the XIV Meeting of [ … ]
Maduro Sticks to His Guns on Essequibo Claim
Following the consultative referendum of December 3, the Nicolás Maduro regime is moving forward with its claim over the Essequibo region that belongs to neighbor Guyana. On January 13, the National Assembly began a second discussion on the Organic Law for the Defense of the Guayana Esequiba, which provides for [ … ]
Jamaica Defence Force and DC National Guard Mark 25-Year State Partnership and Focus on NCO Development
As a global destination, Jamaica is known for its culture, vibrant beaches, and robust tourism industry. It’s also a nation making investments to its national defense and strengthening security in the Caribbean basin, which entails placing the role of noncommissioned officers (NCOs) under a microscope. “A primary security goal is [ … ]
Fentanyl Boom Fails to Lower Cocaine Demand
Although global fentanyl production represents lower manufacturing costs and increasing demand, Colombia continues to be considered one of the world’s largest exporters of cocaine, and demand continues to grow and enter new markets. “What you see globally in terms of demand for cocaine is that it continues to grow despite [ … ]
Coca Cultivation Increases in Central America
Drug trafficking is being restructured worldwide, with a significant increase in coca cultivation in Guatemala and Honduras, the recent report Narcofiles: The New Criminal Order by investigative journalism organization the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) indicated. “This evolution has been driven by several factors, especially the fragmentation of [ … ]
Colombia Seizes 24 Semisubmersibles in 2023
In 2023, as of December 20, the Colombian Navy seized 24 semisubmersibles in the Colombian Pacific in compliance with the Ayacucho Joint Strategic Campaign Plan, the military plan that supports the government’s “Total Peace” efforts. Drug traffickers use semisubmersibles to transport illicit drugs due to their capacity to carry large [ … ]
Meta Deletes Facebook Accounts in China
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is warning about the growing threat of disinformation and interference in 2024 ahead of key elections such as the presidential elections in the United States. The attacks, with the support of artificial intelligence, are expected to continue to come from China, Iran, and Russia. [ … ]
South America’s Largest Drug Organization Expands to Europe and Africa
The First Capital Command (PCC), one of Brazil and South America’s largest criminal group, teamed up with other major drug gangs to smuggle cocaine to countries in Europe and Africa, strengthening ties to global organized crime, British daily The Economist reported. “Since 2016 there has been a clear expansion plan [ … ]
China-Argentina Radio Telescope, Threat to National Security
China began assembling the antenna of the China-Argentina Radio Telescope (CART) at the El Leoncito Astronomical Complex in Argentina’s San Juan province on November 23, 2023, generating concerns among experts despite its importance as the largest radio telescope in South America. With 20 percent progress, the radio telescope, which will [ … ]