Cartagena hosted the 32nd International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) this month, with close to 400 representatives from over 120 countries across the world working together to find new ways to break down transnational narco terrorist syndicates. Cartagena, Colombia hosted the 32nd International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) in June, with close [ … ]
International Relations
Armies of Nicaragua and Honduras Extend Border Security Cooperation
The Armed Forces of Honduras and Nicaragua signed an agreement last month to continue the collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime in the shared border areas. The Armed Forces of Honduras and Nicaragua signed an agreement last month continuing their collaboration in the fight against drug [ … ]
Operation Smile Joins U.S. Navy to Provide Humanitarian Aid
The United States Navy and the organization Operation Smile have joined forces for the seventh time to provide humanitarian aid in Central America and the Caribbean. The United States Navy and the Operation Smile organization have joined forces for the seventh time to provide humanitarian aid in Central America, South [ … ]
The IAAFA: My Story
Each student receives one little sunflower seed protected inside a tiny glass box. I end each course as an instructor, session after session, with this symbolic gift. I talk about the importance, the privilege, and the responsibility of leadership: sowing seeds. Each student receives one little sunflower seed protected inside [ … ]
El Salvador Deploys Air Force Contingent To UN Peacekeeping Mission
Approximately 90 Salvadoran service members will make up the first Air Force contingent to participate in the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), providing protection to UN Forces as well as civilians. About 90 Salvadoran Air Force members are preparing to deploy to Mali to serve in the [ … ]
Understanding the Inter-American Defense Board: What Is It and What Does It Do?
The Inter-American Defense Board (IADB) is a statutory entity of the Organization of American States (OAS); its purpose is to provide the OAS and its Member States with technical and educational advice and advisory services on matters related to military and defense issues in the Hemisphere, thus contributing to the [ … ]
Brazilian Admiral Assumes Command of UNIFIL’s Maritime Task Force
The Maritime Taskforce of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been under Brazilian leadership since 2011, has a new commander since February 26. Admiral Flávio Macedo Brasil is in charge of the mission and has about 1,000 military personnel originating from six countries under his command: [ … ]
Brazil Celebrates 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Monte Castello
Ninety-seven year old Colonel Nestor da Silva is a living witness of the Battle of Monte Castello one of the greatest achievements of the Brazilian Armed Forces during World War II. Ninety-seven year old Colonel Nestor da Silva is a living witness of the Battle of Monte Castello one of [ … ]
Argentine and Chilean Navies Cooperate in the Antarctic
The Navies of Argentina and Chile are working in cooperation to protect the environment of the Antarctic region and to help vessels in distress. The Navies of Argentina and Chile are internationally recognized for their proficiency in protecting the waters of the Antarctic when accidents occur and in conducting search-and-rescue [ … ]
Spain returns 691 pre-Columbian artifacts seized in 2003 drug raid in Madrid
After 11 years, Colombia has regained nearly 700 artifacts stolen by a money launderer who worked for drug smugglers.
‘El Chapo’ conspires with Chinese mafias to produce synthetic drugs in Latin America
The Sinaloa Cartel is obtaining precursor chemicals from 14K and Sun Yee On, two Chinese triads – organized crime groups -- which are based in Hong Kong.