Global Pulse

标签： South America

南美洲

  • DEA quietly resumes anti-drug coordination with Bolivia almost 20 years since its expulsion

    DEA quietly resumes anti-drug coordination with Bolivia almost 20 years since its expulsion

    In a significant diplomatic shift, the United States has quietly resumed intelligence cooperation with Bolivia on counternarcotics operations, ending a nearly 20-year hiatus that began when leftist President Evo Morales expelled American anti-drug agents from the cocaine-producing nation.

    Bolivian Vice Minister of Social Defense and Controlled Substances Ernesto Justiniano confirmed to The Associated Press that while formal agreements are still being finalized, Washington has already begun sharing intelligence on transnational criminal networks with Bolivian law enforcement. The cooperation includes personnel vetting procedures and specialized training programs for narcotics officers.

    “We are already receiving support in various ways, in the training and integrity analysis of personnel,” Justiniano stated. “There is a lot of intelligence, resources, they can provide us, and we need it.”

    This intelligence collaboration marks a dramatic reversal in bilateral relations under Bolivia’s conservative President Rodrigo Paz, who took office last November. The centrist leader has moved to restore full diplomatic ties with Washington after nearly two decades during which Morales’ Movement Toward Socialism party cultivated alliances with China, Russia, Cuba and Iran while distancing itself from Western nations.

    The renewed partnership carries historical sensitivities dating to the 1990s, when DEA-backed operations resulted in deadly clashes with coca farmers in the Chapare region. Justiniano acknowledged these tensions, particularly in the coca-growing jungles near Cochabamba where resentment lingers over Washington’s previously militarized approach.

    “In Bolivia, when it comes to language, you have to be very careful,” Justiniano noted, explicitly ruling out the establishment of U.S. military bases. However, he confirmed that Bolivia “would welcome” DEA participation in joint interdiction operations.

    The agency’s return represents a substantial foreign policy achievement for the U.S. in Latin America, according to regional experts. Retired U.S. diplomat Daniel Foote, who served in Bolivia during the cocaine heyday, emphasized the strategic importance: “We have little idea what’s been going on these past 20 years, so having the DEA back there can open a lot of other doors for the U.S.”

    Meanwhile, former President Morales remains in hiding in the Chapare region, evading an arrest warrant linked to allegations he denies. His disappearance from public view coincides with increased U.S. pressure on allied leftist leaders in the region, including the recent seizure of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.

    As officials finalize the details of the DEA’s formal return, questions remain about how the agency’s approach will differ from its controversial 1990s operations. Former U.S. Ambassador Robert Gelbard expressed hope that the renewed cooperation would avoid “the sort of aggressive approach we followed in the 1990s,” even as coca growers’ leaders vow to resist any perceived foreign intervention.

  • A US shipment of medicines and medical supplies to Venezuela signals a new era of cooperation

    A US shipment of medicines and medical supplies to Venezuela signals a new era of cooperation

    In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has delivered its first shipment of medical aid to Venezuela following a notable shift in bilateral relations. The 6-metric-ton consignment of essential medicines and medical supplies arrived at Maiquetía Airport outside Caracas on Friday, marking a new chapter in previously strained interactions between the two nations.

    The delivery comes weeks after the dramatic capture of former President Nicolás Maduro and signals a potential normalization of relations. Senior diplomats from both countries personally oversaw the arrival of the humanitarian aid, with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Laura Dogu and Venezuelan diplomat Félix Plasencia jointly receiving the shipment at the airport.

    Ms. Dogu emphasized the critical nature of the assistance, stating, “This contribution is vital for stabilizing Venezuela’s healthcare infrastructure.” She further revealed that this initial delivery represents “the first of numerous planned donations” with additional shipments expected in the immediate future.

    Venezuela’s healthcare system has experienced catastrophic decline throughout its prolonged economic and political crisis, now entering its second decade. Medical facilities face severe equipment shortages, frequently requiring patients to provide basic medical necessities ranging from syringes to surgical hardware.

    Mr. Plasencia characterized the American donation as representing “a message of cooperation between two sovereign nations acting in the best interests of their citizens.” The collaborative reception of aid suggests both governments are pursuing pragmatic diplomacy despite historical tensions, potentially foreshadowing broader cooperation in addressing Venezuela’s humanitarian challenges.

  • Trump heads to Fort Bragg to cheer special forces members who ousted Venezuela’s Maduro

    Trump heads to Fort Bragg to cheer special forces members who ousted Venezuela’s Maduro

    President Donald Trump traveled to Fort Bragg, North Carolina on Friday to commend special operations forces involved in the dramatic extraction of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro during a New Year’s operation. The mission resulted in Maduro facing U.S. smuggling charges, marking a significant escalation in American intervention in South American affairs.

    Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the presidential visit to one of the world’s largest military installations by population served dual purposes: recognizing military achievements while engaging with service families. The trip occurs amid increased presidential travel to electorally significant states ahead of November’s midterm congressional elections.

    The administration has subsequently advocated for extensive oversight of Venezuela’s oil industry following Maduro’s removal. In continuation of this foreign policy approach, Trump plans to host Latin American leaders in Florida next month, focusing on countering Chinese influence throughout the region.

    This strategic gathering on March 7 will provide a platform to advance what the president has termed the “Donroe Doctrine”—an assertive foreign policy framework invoking the Monroe Doctrine’s principle of American hemispheric dominance while incorporating Trump’s distinctive approach to international relations.

    The visit marks Trump’s second appearance at Fort Bragg within a year, following a June event commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary that was overshadowed by controversial partisan remarks. The administration has recently deployed National Guard units to multiple domestic locations including Washington and Memphis as part of broader immigration enforcement initiatives.

  • DEA supervisor arrested as US shutters Dominican Republic office during visa-fraud probe

    DEA supervisor arrested as US shutters Dominican Republic office during visa-fraud probe

    A senior U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration supervisor stationed in the Dominican Republic has been taken into custody amid a sweeping investigation into misconduct within a confidential informant visa program. The arrest of Melitón Cordero, confirmed by multiple officials speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, coincides with the Trump administration’s abrupt closure of the DEA’s Caribbean anti-narcotics operations.

    The investigation, spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, centers on alleged abuses of a program that permits foreign nationals with criminal associations to enter the United States as confidential sources. U.S. Ambassador Leah F. Campos announced the office’s suspension without initial elaboration, but later declared on social media platform X that she would not tolerate ‘even the perception of corruption,’ condemning the acts as a ‘disgusting and disgraceful violation of public trust.’

    Dominican Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto Álvarez clarified that the closure was unrelated to his government but stemmed from an internal U.S. probe. The development strikes a significant blow to bilateral security cooperation, given the Dominican Republic’s critical role as a narcotics transit zone. The partnership had recently strengthened, with President Luis Abinader authorizing U.S. operations within restricted airport areas to combat drug trafficking in November.

    The case echoes longstanding concerns about the informant visa program. A 2019 Justice Department inspector general report revealed severe management failures, noting that law enforcement had lost track of approximately 1,000 sponsored individuals, creating potential public safety and national security vulnerabilities due to their criminal connections.

  • Venezuela’s parliament is to debate an amnesty bill that could free hundreds

    Venezuela’s parliament is to debate an amnesty bill that could free hundreds

    CARACAS, Venezuela — In a significant policy reversal, Venezuela’s ruling party-controlled parliament is set to debate a comprehensive amnesty bill on Thursday that could potentially liberate hundreds of political prisoners detained during the country’s prolonged period of political turmoil. This legislative action marks a dramatic departure from the government’s longstanding position denying the existence of politically motivated incarcerations.

    The initiative follows the January 3rd capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. military forces in Caracas, after which acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the proposed legislation. The bill, which Rodríguez characterized as essential for national healing, would cover political offenses committed throughout Venezuela’s period of political violence from 1999 to present.

    While human rights organizations and opposition groups have welcomed the proposal with cautious optimism, they emphasize concerns regarding implementation specifics and eligibility criteria. The legislation explicitly excludes individuals convicted of serious crimes including murder, drug trafficking, corruption, or human rights violations from amnesty consideration.

    According to Venezuelan prisoners’ rights organization Foro Penal, at least 431 detainees have already been released since Rodríguez’s initial announcement in January. The group estimates approximately 600 political prisoners remain in custody awaiting potential liberation under the new law.

    Following parliamentary debate, lawmakers are expected to vote on the bill’s passage, after which Rodríguez would sign it into law. The acting president framed the legislation as a mechanism to ‘heal the wounds left by political confrontation fueled by violence and extremism’ and to ‘redirect justice and coexistence among Venezuelans.’

  • Child recruitment by armed groups in Colombia quadruples in last 5 years, says UNICEF

    Child recruitment by armed groups in Colombia quadruples in last 5 years, says UNICEF

    BOGOTA, Colombia — A disturbing surge in the forced conscription of minors by illegal armed factions has been documented across Colombia, with UNICEF revealing a fourfold increase over the past five years. This alarming trend, directly linked to escalating regional violence and profound systemic failures in vulnerable communities, represents a severe child protection crisis.

    UN statistics present a stark numerical escalation: verified cases jumped from 116 in 2020 to 453 in 2024, according to the latest Secretary-General’s report on children in armed conflict. UNICEF Representative Tanya Chapuisat emphasized that children are being “systematically recruited and exploited,” moving beyond mere collateral damage to becoming specific targets. She characterized the consequences for youth and families as “devastating” and called for immediate protective action.

    Analysts point to a tragic paradox: despite the landmark 2017 peace accord with FARC guerrillas, violence has persisted and mutated. Dissident factions and other illegal groups now aggressively compete for control of lucrative illicit economies once dominated by FARC, creating a volatile environment where children become pawns.

    The crisis is fueled by a confluence of dire circumstances, including entrenched poverty, limited educational access, and inadequate social services. UNICEF identifies these conditions as primary drivers forcing children into armed groups, either to support their families, escape domestic violence, or due to direct safety threats.

    A parallel investigation by the International Crisis Group reveals sophisticated and predatory recruitment methodologies. Armed groups employ dedicated members who infiltrate communities, identifying vulnerable children through a calculated process of grooming—providing food, building trust, and often leveraging existing family acquaintances.

    More disturbingly, an independent, profit-driven recruitment network has emerged. These unaffiliated traffickers systematically identify and abduct children, selling them to the highest-bidding armed group. Elizabeth Dickinson, Senior Analyst at the International Crisis Group, disclosed a grim pricing structure: girls deemed to have “a good body” can fetch up to 1 million pesos (approximately $272), while boys are sold for around 500,000 pesos ($135). The UN further warns that these recruitment efforts have expanded into the digital realm, with social media platforms being weaponized to lure and target minors.

  • Rio Carnival parade will spotlight sex workers in effort to dismantle stigma

    Rio Carnival parade will spotlight sex workers in effort to dismantle stigma

    RIO DE JANEIRO — In an unprecedented celebration of human dignity, Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival will witness a historic tribute this weekend as the Porto da Pedra samba school honors 83-year-old Lourdes Barreto and sex workers nationwide. This groundbreaking parade represents the culmination of Barreto’s six-decade journey from teenage sex worker to internationally recognized activist.

    The theme “From life’s oldest times, the sweet and bitter kiss of the night” serves as the final installment in creative director Mauro Quintaes’ trilogy exploring marginalized communities. Unlike previous superficial references to sex work in Carnival, this presentation centrally focuses on class struggle and professional dignity without apology or glamorization.

    Barreto, who co-founded the Brazilian Network of Prostitutes in the 1980s, expressed astonishment at the honor. “Who would have thought that a prostitute would be honored?” she remarked from her home in Belem ahead of traveling to Rio for the festivities.

    Despite Brazil’s progressive 2002 labor ministry recognition of prostitution as an official occupation—granting access to social security benefits—systemic challenges persist. Legal ambiguities between voluntary sex work and criminal sexual exploitation enable continued police targeting of practitioners.

    Academic experts note the cultural significance of this Carnival theme. Juliana Barbosa, communications professor at the Federal University of Parana, emphasizes that samba schools historically leverage their platform to amplify social conversations within Black communities before spreading awareness to broader audiences.

    Approximately 40 sex workers from across Brazil will participate in Saturday’s parade alongside hundreds of performers. Thauany Laressa, a 27-year-old sex worker from Rondonia, hopes the spectacle will foster public compassion and professional respect for those in her occupation.

    The tribute coincides with Barreto’s recent recognition by the BBC as one of 100 inspiring women worldwide, placing her alongside Olympic athlete Rebeca Andrade and climate activist Adenike Oladosu—a testament to her lifelong advocacy for HIV prevention policies and workers’ rights.

  • Two US Navy ships collide near South America

    Two US Navy ships collide near South America

    Two United States Navy ships collided during a routine refueling operation in waters near South America, according to confirmation from the US military’s Southern Command to the BBC. The incident occurred on Wednesday during a replenishment-at-sea procedure involving the guided missile destroyer USS Truxtun and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply.

    While two personnel sustained minor injuries during the collision, both individuals were reported to be in stable condition following the incident. Despite the impact, both vessels maintained operational capability and continued sailing safely from the location of the accident.

    The exact circumstances surrounding the collision remain unclear as military officials have launched a formal investigation into the matter. Southern Command representatives declined to specify what factors might have contributed to the accident, noting only that the investigation remains ongoing.

    The Wall Street Journal reported that the USNS Supply had been operating in the Caribbean region, which falls within Southern Command’s area of responsibility along with portions of the South Atlantic and South Pacific.

    This naval incident occurs amid heightened US military presence in the Caribbean region. President Donald Trump has ordered a substantial military buildup in recent months as part of the administration’s intensified campaign against drug trafficking networks. The strategy has produced controversial results, including a recent lethal strike on an alleged drug vessel in the eastern Pacific that resulted in two fatalities on Thursday. This brings the total to at least 38 deadly engagements with suspected drug trafficking vessels since the administration renewed its offensive operations.

    Additionally, the US military presence in the region has facilitated the enforcement of sanctions against Venezuelan oil exports, following the dramatic arrest of President Nicolas Maduro during a nighttime raid in January.

  • By The Numbers: A look at European rocket Ariane 64’s maiden launch

    By The Numbers: A look at European rocket Ariane 64’s maiden launch

    Europe’s aerospace sector reaches a pivotal milestone as the Ariane 64 rocket prepares for its inaugural commercial mission from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This enhanced configuration marks a significant technological leap, featuring four powerful boosters that substantially increase payload capacity to low Earth orbit.

    The Thursday launch represents the sixth flight overall for the Ariane 6 program but the first deploying commercial payloads—specifically 32 internet satellites for Amazon’s burgeoning mega-constellation project. This mission positions the European launch vehicle directly against market dominator SpaceX in the increasingly competitive satellite deployment sector.

    Technical specifications reveal the Ariane 64’s formidable capabilities: standing 62 meters tall with a core stage measuring 5.4 meters in diameter, the vehicle utilizes four boosters consuming 142,000 kilograms of solid propellant within just over two minutes. This configuration enables the rocket to deliver approximately 21.6 metric tons to low Earth orbit—more than double the capacity of its two-booster variant.

    The Ariane 6 program embodies European collaboration at its finest, backed by 13 member nations of the European Space Agency and coordinated through approximately 600 subcontractors led by ArianeGroup. Manufacturing occurs across multiple European facilities, with core stage assembly in Les Mureaux, France, and upper stage production in Bremen, Germany. Each rocket comprises roughly 300,000 individual components, transported via emissions-reducing cargo ships across the Atlantic.

    Propulsion systems combine solid rocket boosters with advanced liquid propulsion: a main engine using supercooled hydrogen and oxygen, plus a versatile upper stage engine capable of multiple reignitions to precisely position satellites. The complete mission duration from liftoff to satellite separation is projected at 1 hour and 54 minutes.

    Amazon’s participation signals its serious entry into the satellite internet arena, currently dominated by SpaceX’s Starlink constellation. Founded by Jeff Bezos—who simultaneously operates rocket company Blue Origin—Amazon plans to deploy over 3,200 satellites to provide global broadband coverage.

  • Loyal dog who lived by owner’s grave for 10 years inspires new law in Brazil

    Loyal dog who lived by owner’s grave for 10 years inspires new law in Brazil

    The Brazilian state of São Paulo has enacted groundbreaking legislation permitting the burial of pets alongside their human families, inspired by a devoted dog’s decade-long vigil at his owner’s gravesite. The emotionally charged ‘Bob Coveiro Law’—named posthumously for the canine who became a cemetery fixture—officially took effect this Tuesday, recognizing the profound emotional connection between pets and their guardians.

    Bob’s remarkable story began when he attended his owner’s funeral at Taboão da Serra cemetery and steadfastly refused to leave the premises. Despite attempts by family members to bring him home, the loyal dog consistently returned to the burial ground, where caretakers eventually provided him with a green shelter. For ten years, Bob became an integral part of the cemetery community, known for accompanying funeral processions and offering silent comfort to grieving mourners.

    His presence created unexpected moments of relief amid sorrow, with visitors often smiling when the ball-obsessed dog attempted to initiate play. Local animal protection charity Patre, which led fundraising efforts for a memorial statue, noted that Bob ‘won the hearts of everyone who met him.’

    The canine’s vigil ended tragically in 2021 when he was struck by a vehicle, ultimately leading to his burial beside his beloved owner. This poignant conclusion sparked legislative action, with representative Eduardo Nóbrega championing the cause. ‘What began as a story of love and loyalty has turned into public policy,’ Nóbrega stated on social media.

    The new legislation permits cats and dogs to be interred in family graves throughout São Paulo—Brazil’s most populous state—provided specific sanitary standards are met. Local funeral services will establish implementation guidelines for the historic measure. Brazil maintains the world’s third-largest pet population, with approximately 160 million animal companions according to the Pet Brasil Institute, underscoring the law’s significant societal relevance.

    Nóbrega emphasized the measure’s emotional significance: ‘Anyone who has lost a pet knows: it’s not just an animal. It’s family. This law recognizes this bond, bringing more respect at the moment of farewell.’ His poignant reflection—’Love does not end at goodbye’—captures the spirit of legislation that transforms personal devotion into enduring public policy.