Get the latest security and defense stories from across the Americas.
Security & Cooperation Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-B), in coordination with the 612th Air Base Squadron (ABS), successfully concluded yet another iteration of Central America Sharing Mutual Operation Knowledge and Experiences (CENTAM SMOKE), a multinational firefighting exercise that brought together U.S. forces and partner nation firefighters and military members from across Central America and the Caribbean to Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, in early…
Transnational Crime After years of frozen relations, the restoration of diplomatic ties between the United States and Venezuela marks a significant turning point for regional security dynamics. The reopening of dialogue comes after the arrest of Nicolás Maduro in January 2026 and the installation of an interim government. This new context has opened opportunities for more structured cooperation in the fight against…
Strategic Influence China is intensifying its influence strategy in the Caribbean through a combination of diplomacy, investments, media cooperation, and information campaigns aimed at expanding its strategic presence in the region. According to experts, Beijing is using journalism training programs, content-sharing agreements, ties with local media outlets, and in some cases even coercive practices to promote narratives favorable to its geopolitical interests,…
Transnational Crime Recent actions by Ecuadorian authorities involving foreign nationals identified as potential security concerns reflect a more preventive and proactive approach by the country toward increasingly complex transnational threats. Authorities have intensified efforts to counter risks related to organized crime, illicit financing, and international networks operating across the region. On March 25, 2026, Ecuadorian authorities arrested a Syrian citizen identified as…
Strategic Influence With global consumption of river and marine sand hovering around 50 billion tons per year, international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have long warned of the risk of depletion and the serious environmental consequences tied to its growing scarcity. In this context, China stands as the world’s leading consumer, whose vast and sustained demand has already…
Transnational Crime Recent maritime interdictions in the Caribbean and Atlantic are providing new insight into how illicit shipping networks operate across the hemisphere. Beyond the vessels themselves, recent cases have revealed complex systems of intermediaries, shell companies, changing registries, deceptive routing practices, and covert logistics structures designed to conceal responsibility and complicate enforcement efforts. The findings are reshaping how maritime authorities understand…
Security & Cooperation As Haiti’s security and humanitarian challenges continue, the country faces the difficult task of reducing violence while rebuilding public trust in state institutions. Armed groups have expanded presence in large portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince, contributing to large-scale displacement and disruptions to daily life, supply routes, and access to food, healthcare, and other essential services. In this environment, efforts to…
Strategic Influence Venezuela’s recent diplomatic realignment with the United States has forced Russia and Iran — along with longtime regional ally Cuba — to reposition their influence operations after losing one of their most important footholds in Latin America. Today, however, these campaigns have become increasingly more sophisticated and harder to counter than in the past. Their objective is no longer limited…
Security & Cooperation 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 the South Dakota National Guard and Suriname,” said Colonel Dennis…
Transnational 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 intelligence, and apply common investigative approaches. At the center of…
Transnational Crime 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 national responses have proven insufficient, driving a shift toward more…
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, and intelligence capabilities, moving beyond fragmented approaches toward a more…
