Despite the distance or cultural differences, Latin America has become a strategic point for Iran’s international expansion. Its proximity to the United States and the social movements that have propelled leftist governments to power in recent years are some of the factors that have contributed to this geographic area becoming [ … ]
Transnational Threats


Crimes Hit ‘Record Highs’ in Haiti
Gang violence in Haiti is reaching alarming levels, not only affecting the capital of Port-au-Prince but also spreading to other major cities, forcing massive displacement of people, the United Nations (U.N.) said in its latest reports. “The security situation on the ground continues to deteriorate as growing gang violence plunges [ … ]

Guyana Seeks UN Court Protection in ‘Sinister’ Venezuela Territorial Claim
Guyana has asked the U.N.'s highest court to stop a Venezuelan referendum on whether or not to annex the oil-rich Essequibo region both South American nations lay claim to. Venezuela has for decades argued that the 160,000-square-kilometer (62,000-square-mile) region administered by Guyana should fall within its borders -— a contention [ … ]

Iran Increasingly Turns to Latin America
Historically, Latin America’s relations with Iran have been nearly nonexistent. But in recent years, this region has become a priority for Iran in which to expand its influence and sphere of action. Such was confirmed by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in late 2021, following a meeting in Tehran with then [ … ]

Meta Takes Down Chinese Influence Operation on Social Networks
In late August, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, dismantled a massive network of fake accounts associated with Chinese security forces, as well as the pro-China influence operation known as Spamouflage that promotes Beijing’s interests, according to an August 26 Meta cyberthreats report. “Such propaganda exerts a strong influence on [ … ]

The Increasing Influence of Iran in Latin America
Warning signs about a possible upsurge in Iranian activities in Latin America are growing, following the October 7 attack of the Hamas terrorist group against Israel. Experts believe that the spread of anti-Israeli sentiment will strengthen Iran and could boost Hezbollah and other radical groups’ activities in the region. “Iran’s [ … ]

Leader of Tren de Aragua Faction Arrested in Peru
The ringleader of criminal organization Dinastía Alayón, a faction of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, was arrested in Peru along with 30 other alleged members of that gang, authorities in the South American country reported on October 5. “Resounding blow to the transnational criminal organization Dinastía Alayón - Tren de [ … ]

Cocaine Trafficking from Latin America to Europe on the Rise
Europe is suffering a flood of cocaine shipments from Latin America into its ports, while seizures by security authorities are reaching record levels, reported InSight Crime, an organization dedicated to the study of organized crime in Latin America and the Caribbean. “In Europe there is a market that demands cocaine [ … ]

Insecurity and Violence Threaten Ecuador
Ecuador is engaged in a relentless fight against drug trafficking. However, in recent times this challenge has reached worrying levels, with a growing insecurity crisis and a significant increase in violence, affecting the quality of life of millions of Ecuadorians, The New York Times reported. Until three years ago, Ecuador [ … ]

China’s Plan to Take Over the World
Project 141 is believed to be the code name for China’s plan to install military bases worldwide. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) carefully designed this initiative to capitalize from increasing logistics support of regimes in its favor, various news sites reported. Beijing’s most recent attempt is a base in Cuba. [ … ]

Iran Seeks to Spread Its Radical Ideology in Latin America
The Iranian regime seeks to expand its Islamic revolution globally and continues its push in Latin America. As part of that strategy, it is promoting the memoirs of its leaders to engage local actors, Washington-based nongovernmental organization Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) indicated in a report. So far in [ … ]

Nicaragua Asserts Alliance with Russia to Amplify Disinformation
Unconventional alliances are emerging in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Among them is the partnership between Russian state media outlet Russia Today (RT) and the Daniel Ortega-Rosario Murillo regime in Nicaragua. This link raises concerns about disinformation and the role of Russian propaganda in the region. “The union reflects [ … ]