Suriname, South Dakota Guard Conclude Operation Rumble in the Jungle
South Dakota National Guard soldiers and their Suriname partners concluded Operation Rumble in the Jungle, a joint exercise that included testing the forces’ ability to operate together in demanding jungle conditions. “The highly successful Rumble in the Jungle joint exercise marks a significant milestone in the State Partnership Program between [ … ]
ILEA San Salvador: Building the Networks Behind the Fight Against Organized Crime
As transnational criminal organizations grow more adaptive, technologically sophisticated, and interconnected, countries across Latin America and the Caribbean face a common challenge: how to respond in a coordinated and effective way. Increasingly, that response depends not only on national capabilities, but also on the ability to work across borders, share [ … ]
From Rivers to Networks: Confronting Transnational Organized Crime in the Amazon Basin
In response to the growing reach and sophistication of transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) across Latin America, governments in the region are strengthening cooperation to better disrupt these networks and their illicit activities. As criminal groups operate across borders and diversify their portfolio — from drug to environmental crimes — isolated [ … ]
Coordinated Operations Reshape Ecuador’s Approach to Transnational Crime
Recent maritime and investigative operations have highlighted a shift in how Ecuador is confronting transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), with authorities placing greater emphasis on coordinated efforts across national and international partners. As criminal networks continue to operate across borders and domains, Ecuador has begun restructuring how it integrates military, police, [ … ]
From Drug Trafficking Corridor to Key Player in Hemispheric Security, Guatemala Redefines Its Defense Strategy
From Drug Trafficking Corridor to Key Player in Hemispheric Security, Guatemala Redefines Its Defense Strategy
Guatemala is positioning itself as a strategic player in regional defense, taking a more assertive role in confronting the expansion of transnational organized crime and the growing threats facing hemispheric security. This was the assessment shared by Minister of National Defense Major General Henry David Sáenz, in an exclusive interview [ … ]
Tracking the Shadow Fleet: How Maritime Enforcement Is Evolving in the Hemisphere
Illicit maritime networks operating across the Western Hemisphere are becoming increasingly sophisticated. No longer relying solely on isolated smuggling vessels or covert nighttime movements, sanctioned actors and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) now operate through complex maritime structures designed to obscure ownership, conceal cargo origins, and exploit legal and regulatory gaps [ … ]
GLACSED: A New Regional Framework to Combat Organized Crime in Latin America and the Caribbean
Guatemala served as the epicenter of an ambitious regional effort, bringing together leaders from security forces, local authorities, experts, and representatives of civil society at the Latin American and Caribbean Forum on Democratic Security and Territorial Governance. The event, held in mid-February, marked the launch of the Latin American and [ … ]
Space Conference of the Americas: Space Challenges Know No Borders
As space becomes increasingly important for security, defense, disaster response, and technological development, military leaders and representatives from partner nations from across the hemisphere gathered at U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) headquarters in Doral, Florida, April 28–30, for the Space Conference of the Americas 2026, hosted by SOUTHCOM in collaboration with [ … ]
New Map of Organized Crime in Brazil
Organized crime in Brazil is undergoing a profound transformation. The continued expansion of drug trafficking — illustrated by sharp increases in drug seizures in parts of the country, including a reported 40 percent rise in Pará state in 2025 — combined with the growing exploitation of Brazil’s financial ecosystem, including [ … ]
Efforts Grow to Counter China’s Expanding Distant-Water Fishing Fleet
A growing international coalition of governments, civil society organizations, and fishing-sector stakeholders is calling for stronger controls on China’s distant-water fishing fleet operating in the South Pacific. Their concerns go beyond sustainability. The expansion of China’s fleet has increasingly raised questions about maritime security, high seas governance, and the ability [ … ]
From Isolation to Integration: Venezuela’s Emerging Role in Regional Counter-TCO Efforts
Venezuela’s role in regional efforts to counter transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) may be entering a new phase. Following the January 2026 arrest of Nicolás Maduro, the country has entered a fluid political transition under interim leadership. At the same time, diplomatic engagement with the United States and neighboring countries has [ … ]
