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 [ … ]
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 [ … ]
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, [ … ]
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 [ … ]
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 [ … ]
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 [ … ]
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 [ … ]
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 [ … ]
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 [ … ]
In the Amazonian expanse of the Guiana Shield — a region that includes Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and adjacent parts of Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia — illegal gold mining has moved beyond a supporting illicit activity to become a parallel and increasingly resilient source of financing and territorial control for [ … ]
U.S. Air Force medical and support personnel returned to Saint Lucia to conduct the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission in partnership with the Saint Lucia Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, continuing a long-standing collaboration focused on patient care and clinical knowledge exchange across the island. [ … ]
Guatemala is strengthening its operational capabilities against transnational criminal networks through a series of initiatives that include specialized training, joint exercises, technical assistance, and logistical support carried out in close cooperation with the United States. This effort takes place within a regional environment where increasingly sophisticated transnational criminal organizations demand [ … ]
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