David Gagne
Thursday, September 15, 2016 - 07:38
Colombia's ELN rebel group is reportedly moving in on territory abandoned by the FARC guerrillas as part of their peace deal with the government, drawing attention to an inconvenient truth: the ELN stands much to gain from continuing its armed struggle.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016 - 08:08
A controversy over Colombia's drug strategy reflects an official sense of urgency to reverse booming coca cultivation as the country prepares to end over 50 years of armed conflict with the FARC rebel group.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 06:55
An American drug lord who operated in Mexico reportedly made a deal with US authorities to secure a shorter sentence, an anticipated outcome that is sure to add to the mounting evidence that extradited capos are providing on Mexico's underworld. Edgar Valdez Villareal, a former leader of Mexico's Beltrán Leyva Organization (BLO), and four of his accomplices agreed to supply US authorities with information on his and rival drug cartels in exchange for a reduced prison sentence, reported El Universal.
Monday, August 1, 2016 - 15:06
El Salvador is the most violent peacetime nation in the world, seemingly stuck in a perpetual cycle of gang hostilities and truculent police behavior. A new security approach could quell inflamed tensions, and just might lower the country's elevated homicide rate -- for good this time.
Friday, July 1, 2016 - 06:25
Authorities across Central America have dismantled a migrant smuggling network that spanned from Brazil to Mexico, a remarkable sting operation that comes amid heightened US concerns of potential terrorists using these networks to illegally enter the United States.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016 - 06:33
The recently announced concentration zones where FARC guerrillas will gather upon the signing of a peace agreement with Colombia's government provide the two sides an opportunity to prevent the continuation of violence and illegal activity in these areas.
Monday, June 27, 2016 - 07:14
The number of homicides in May reached levels unseen during the administration of Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto, and the fact that they are more widespread makes the trend increasingly difficult for authorities to reverse.
Monday, June 27, 2016 - 06:55
A formidable combination of weak state institutions, powerful economic elites and high-level corruption has kept tax rates exceedingly low for Guatemala's wealthy, depriving the government of the resources needed to combat crime and reduce impunity.
Friday, June 10, 2016 - 06:50
A new report provides details on the different levels of sophistication with which criminal groups run sex trafficking rings in Guatemala, shedding light on the business side of a highly lucrative criminal industry.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016 - 06:40
A bloodstained weekend marked the latest chapter in a year of increased violence against Venezuela's security forces, a trend that is expected to continue as the country's political and economic crisis deepens.