The US Anti-Drug Missile Strikes Are Back. But Are They Working?
The United States launched new strikes on vessels suspected of transporting drugs in late August—the first attacks after a two-month…
On the Radar: De la Espriella Labels Criminal Groups ‘Terrorists’
Is Colombia’s terrorist label for all criminal groups a new tactic? Why have the US missile strikes against drug boats…
Cheap Drones Are A Costly Problem For Governments in Latin America
Mexico and the United States recently agreed to deepen security cooperation around counter-drone technology, as governments across Latin America race…
On the Radar: US Eyes Ground War Against Crime
What’s next for the US military campaign against Latin America’s criminal groups? What’s behind Chile and Peru’s recent security crackdowns?…
The InSight Take: The Shield of the Americas Grows, But Does it Have a Strategy?
Colombia just became the 19th member of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition—better known as Shield of the Americas—days after Defense…
On the Radar: Cartel Coalition’s Gaps and a CJNG Weapons Bust
What can Washington’s new “cartel coalition” deliver? What does the arrest of CJNG operators in Europe say about the group’s…
The ‘Bukele Effect’ on Latin America’s Security
Under President Nayib Bukele, El Salvador has become a popular exemplar for fighting organized crime in Latin America. And throughout…
On the Radar: ELN Bombing in Colombia Days Before New President Takes Office
How are Colombia’s armed groups positioning themselves as a new, hard-line president takes power? Is gang violence spreading from Ecuador’s…
Mapping Latin America’s Megaprisons
In the three years since President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele opened his famous Terrorism Confinement Center (Centro de Confinamiento…
The ‘New’ US War on Organized Crime
President Trump’s administration has made the fight against drug trafficking the premise for militarized, punitive action both at home and…