The Brazilian Federal Police (PF) successfully dismantled a large money laundering network linked to international drug trafficking. Operation Bahamut, launched on July 12, led to the arrest of several people in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. As part of Bahamut, [ … ]
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‘Narco Bananas,’ New Drug Trafficking Method
Ecuador and Colombia are making significant efforts to reduce the advances of narcotrafficking in their territories, increasing their focus on the banana industry, an important source of income for both nations. In a June 2023 investigation, Ecuador’s state-owned TC Televisión and the transnational media initiative CONNECTAS warned about the increase [ … ]

Brazil’s Criminal Groups Hamper Fight Against Illegal Mining in the Amazon
Brazil’s largest criminal groups, the First Command of the Capital (PCC) and the Red Command (CV), have been working together with illegal miners in the Amazon, hampering government efforts to eradicate mining and contributing to increased violence in Brazil’s Yanomami reservation, the largest indigenous territory in the world and home [ … ]

US and Costa Rica Present Together for Limón
U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica Cynthia Telles and Costa Rican Minister of Public Security Mario Zamora presented in early July the Together for Limón initiative, a joint U.S.-Costa Rican effort to bring greater prosperity and security to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Together for Limón reflects the U.S. commitment [ … ]

China and Cuba’s Plan for Military Base Threatens the Region
China and Cuba are in advanced negotiations for the construction of a joint military training facility, an infrastructure that would facilitate the presence of Chinese troops in Cuba on a permanent basis. A base for these purposes would be in addition to the spy bases that China allegedly has on [ … ]

China’s Chancay Port Runs into Problems
The recent problems of China’s mega-port project in Chancay, Peru, renewed concerns about Chinese companies’ shoddy workmanship as well as China’s true motives behind its strong participation in what is envisioned as a major trading hub in the region. In mid-May, following a landslide at one of the port’s tunnel [ … ]

Chile Launches Satellite with US Space Force Support
The Chilean Air Force (FACh) launched its FASat-Delta satellite, a milestone that initiates the implementation of its National Satellite System (SNSat). The device left for space from the U.S. Space Force’s Vandenberg Base in Santa Barbara, California, aboard the Falcon 9 rocket transport module of U.S. company SpaceX. “Thanks to [ … ]

Peru Bolsters International Space Collaboration with Key US Partners During Resolute Sentinel 23
Operation HARPY SUR, a space exercise nested under Exercise Resolute Sentinel 2023 (RS23), has opened a new chapter in international space collaboration at the Satellite Imagery Operations National Center (CNOIS), in southern Peru. The space exercise aimed to bolster the region’s emerging space programs. The U. S. Southern Command- (SOUTHCOM) [ … ]

China Refuses to Back Down in Port Plan in Argentina
In early June, Argentine Governor of Tierra del Fuego Gustavo Melella revived an old controversy concerning a deal with a Chinese company to build a multipurpose port in Rio Grande. The controversy was reignited when Melella presented the memorandum of understanding he had signed with Shaanxi Chemical Industry Group to [ … ]

USNS Burlington Kicks Off Continuing Promise 2023 in Panama
The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) arrived in Almirante, Panama, August 11, marking the first of many stops throughout the course of the Continuing Promise 2023 mission. During Burlington’s time in Panama, U.S. Navy and partner nation medical personnel will work together to provide care in [ … ]

Peru on War Footing Against Illegal Mining
The Amazon, which occupies a large part of Peru’s territory, is home to the country’s greatest diversity of flora and fauna, but its intricate geography also makes it the ideal setting for illegal mining carried out by transnational criminal organizations, and destroying hundreds of hectares of virgin land every day. [ … ]

USS Wasp Celebrates 50 Years of Independence, Friendship in the Bahamas
The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp sailed into Nassau for a three-day visit on June 28, 2023, to help the Bahamas commemorate both a half-century of independence and regional partnership with the United States. The highlight of the Wasp’s port call was a June 30 reception onboard the U.S. Navy [ … ]