40% of All Crime in Guatemala Related to Drug Trafficking In 2008
40% of the 6,200 murders committed in Guatemala last year were linked to drug trafficking, President Álvaro Colom told the press today.
51 People Arrested in Anti-Drug Operations in Eight Brazilian States
Today the Federal Police arrested a total of 51 people from two different gangs for their involvement in the trafficking of synthetic drugs in Brazil and in other countries, some of them in Europe, according to official sources.
Liaisons Among The Americas
In 1997, a forward-thinking combatant commander conceptualized a plan to invite partner-nation senior military officers — primarily colonels — to serve on his staff as advisors, providing cultural expertise and coordination on military matters between their countries and U.S. Southern Command.
FARC Seeks to Influence 2010 Elections, Colombian Defense Minister Warns
FARC guerrillas seek to influence the 2010 presidential election by releasing hostages “a few at a time,” Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos warned today.
The White Lady Of The Sea
When the Esmeralda docks in ports around the world, its crew makes sure the “White Lady,” as they call their ship, is ready for visitors. The ship has made more than 300 port calls as Chile’s “floating embassy,” spreading goodwill and the message of democracy through diplomatic visits around the [ … ]
Old Linkage, New Approach
U.S. 4th Fleet commander, Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan, talks about the fleet’s goals and objectives in the Americas. The U.S. 4th Fleet inherited a tough mission in Caribbean, Central and South American waters when the Navy re-established the command in April 2008.
Salvadoran Troops Return From Iraq, Ending A Five-Year Mission
A contingent of 200 Salvadoran troops returned home from Iraq on Saturday, having finished security and reconstruction tasks that took place over five and a half years, official sources reported.
Marijuana Destroyed in Operation Searching for Armed Group in Paraguay
Joint Paraguayan military and police forces deployed four weeks ago in central and northeastern Paraguay in pursuit of an armed group destroyed 8,900 kilos of marijuana and 400 hectares of the drug, Interior Minister Rafael Filizzola announced today.
Three Indigenous Bolivian Villages Declare Autonomy Under New Constitution
Three indigenous towns in Isoboro Secure National Park, located in the center of Bolivia between the departments of Cochabamba and Beni, were the first to declare their autonomy under the new Constitution, local press reported today.
Thousands March Against Chavez Reelection
On Saturday thousands of people marched in the Venezuelan capital to support the "No" option on the February 15th referendum regarding a constitutional amendment promoted by the government which would permit unlimited reelection.
Rebel-held Hostage Flown To Freedom In Colombia
A former provincial lawmaker was helicoptered to freedom in Colombia on Thursday after spending more than six years as a captive of leftist guerrillas.
Chilean Aid To Arrive In Amman, Palestine Via Air Force
A plane from the Chilean Air Force landed today in Amman carrying over 25 tons in humanitarian aid for the Palestine Gaza population after the recent Israeli offensive that left over 1,400 dead and 5,000 injured.