In Latin America, criminal cartels, have traditionally run drug trafficking. In Venezuela, this activity is managed within the government. Under the regime of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s position in the global cocaine business will increase.
About 5,000 service members of the Panamanian National Border Service (SENAFRONT, in Spanish) and National Air and Naval Service (SENAN, in Spanish) have joined the national action plan to confront the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and enforce executive orders related to the state of emergency declaration.
Members and resources of the Armed Forces of Uruguay deployed to support the community in the face of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic with the distribution of basic and medical supplies and border patrols, among other essential measures.
The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), a United Nations (U.N.) body, confirmed in its latest annual report the existence of the so-called Cartel of the Suns, a criminal narcotrafficking network led by Venezuela’s top military officials with the regime’s support.
Chilean President Sebastián Piñera declared a state of emergency for 90 days beginning March 19, to address the COVID-19 crisis. The borders are closed to foreign visitors in an attempt to avoid the entry of people who might be infected, and a curfew was established from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The Argentine Armed Forces have joined national prevention efforts against coronavirus to confront a potential infection peak. The Ministry of Defense ordered the creation of 14 Joint Emergency Zone Commands and 10 task forces nationwide.
The U.S. government has mobilized unprecedented resources to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and is providing substantial foreign assistance. “Today, I am pleased to announce that the United States has made available nearly $274 million in emergency health and humanitarian funding. Along with the U.S. private sector, the American people continue to lead in responding to this pandemic,” said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a press statement released on March 26.
Mayerling Oropeza had her last race on Sunday, March 1. The 50-year-old cyclist and web designer was run over on a road east of Caracas, when she was heading back home after participating in an event known as BiciRock. The driver fled the scene and left her on the street.
The number of coronavirus cases in Ecuador continues to increase with nearly 2,000 cases as of late March and nearly 30 deaths.
As the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Colombia continues to rise, the military is doing its part to help assist in combatting the virus.
Peru declared a state of emergency on March 15. President Martín Vizcarra Cornejo announced the strategy to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the country. The state of emergency has been extended to April 12 with all Peruvian borders to remain closed.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet is deploring the violent, escalating attacks against political opponents of the regime of Nicolás Maduro. Bachelet presented an oral update of the situation in Venezuela to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 10.
For more on security and defense issues around the globe, click on the links below:
