Security & Cooperation Archives - Page 5 of 132

Tradewinds 26 Planning Conference Sets Conditions for June Exercise

Military and security leaders from across the region convened in Antigua and Barbuda March 16-20, 2026, for the final planning conference of Tradewinds 26 (TW26), a U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)-sponsored exercise. The meeting brought together participating nations and partner organizations to coordinate scenarios, align objectives, and finalize preparations for the multinational training event. Hosted at the American University of Antigua,…

April 23, 2026

Chilean, US Air Force Crews Complete Historic Refueling

U.S. and Chilean Air Force (FACh) crews demonstrated advanced interoperability April 4, 2026, executing the first-ever Chilean KC-135 Stratotanker air-to-air refueling of two U.S. F-35A Lightning II aircraft — marking a significant step forward in bilateral airpower integration. The mission, conducted en route to International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) 2026, showcased real-world coordination between trusted partners while reinforcing the…

April 21, 2026

Suriname, US Advance Medical Cooperation During 2026 LAMAT Mission

Health care professionals from Suriname and the U.S. Air Force are working side by side as part of the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission, a health security cooperation event focused on strengthening partnerships and delivering critical care across the region. The late April mission in Suriname integrates 47 U.S. medical practitioners and support personnel with expertise in…

April 20, 2026

Joint Engineering Effort Assesses Bridge of the Americas in Panama

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is working alongside Panamanian agencies to assess the Bridge of the Americas following a tanker explosion, reinforcing a shared commitment to public safety and infrastructure resilience. The incident prompted an immediate, coordinated response from the Panamanian government and the U.S. Embassy to evaluate potential structural impacts and ensure the safety of the surrounding…

April 16, 2026

Chilean Forces Showcase Skill and Partnership at Texas Best Warrior Competition

Chile’s strong showing at the 2026 Texas Best Warrior Competition offered more than a demonstration of tactical skill — it highlighted the spirit of partnership, professionalism, and camaraderie that defines military cooperation under the State Partnership Program (SPP). Held at Camp Swift, March 23-27, the annual event hosted by the Texas Military Department brought together 27 elite competitors for a…

April 15, 2026

Colombian and US Navies Reinforce Partnership During Maritime Staff Talks

Colombian and U.S. senior naval leaders convened in Cartagena, March 24-27, 2026, for the annual Maritime Staff Talks (MST), reaffirming the enduring partnership between both nations and outlining a path for future maritime collaboration. The U.S. delegation, led by Rear Admiral Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, was hosted by Vice Admiral Carlos Serrano, chief…

April 14, 2026

El Salvador-US: A Model for Regional Security Cooperation

In the past few years, cooperation between El Salvador and the United has evolved into a sophisticated, high-tech alliance that has become a fundamental pillar for strengthening security in the region. Through technical exchanges, joint programs, and the integration of state-of-the-art technology, both nations have coordinated efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) while strengthening institutional capacities. Strategic pillar against…

April 09, 2026

Continental Shield: Multilateral Cooperation and Strategic Synergy in the Chile Fires

As Chile transitions into the autumn months, the nation continues to reflect on an early year defined by one of the most severe forest fires in recent history. The fires, which devastated areas of the Biobío, Ñuble, and La Araucanía regions, prompted a massive and coordinated response that saw the Chilean armed and security forces working together with the international…

April 09, 2026

US Service Members Deliver Critical Medical Care to Bocas del Toro Communities

A team of U.S. service members conducted a five-day humanitarian mission to Bocas del Toro, March 22–25, delivering essential medical services to residents in remote and underserved communities across the Panamanian island province. “Bocas del Toro was selected at the request of the Ministry of Health, which identified a gap in access to medical care in the region,” said U.S.…

April 07, 2026

CENTAM Guardian 2026: Building Interoperability Against Shared Security Threats

Multinational exercise CENTAM Guardian 2026, co-sponsored by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and El Salvador’s Ministry of Defense, will convene Central American armed forces in mid-April. The exercise underscores that interoperability is not merely a military concept, but a strategic imperative linking national security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response into a unified regional framework. The 2026 iteration builds on lessons from…

April 06, 2026

LAMAT 2026 Advances Regional Security, Health Care Capacity in Guyana

U.S. Air Force and Guyanese medical personnel completed a two-week Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) mission March 27, 2026, marked by a closing ceremony at the State House in Georgetown. Conducted in coordination with the government of Guyana, the mission brought together U.S. and Guyanese providers to deliver patient care, exchange medical expertise, and strengthen readiness and partnerships in…

April 06, 2026

US 4th Fleet Deploys for Southern Seas 2026

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) has deployed to the region as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s (USNAVSO/4THFLT) Southern Seas 2026. Nimitz and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) are scheduled to conduct passing exercises and operations at sea with partner nation maritime forces as the ships circumnavigate South America. Southern Seas…

April 01, 2026

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Special Report

For decades, Ecuador was perceived as an exception in a region plagued by drug trafficking, armed violence, and criminal capture of the state. While neighboring countries faced open wars between cartels and state forces, Ecuador seemed to remain on the sidelines of these dynamics. That image began to slowly crack and finally collapsed in January […]