Our Wednesday Sociedad Media Now daily newsletter focusing some of the top Security issues facing Latin America & U.S. partners.
U.S. Forces Sink Los Choneros Fuel Vessel in Pacific, One Year After Designating the Ecuadorian Gang a Terrorist Organization
U.S. forces sink a Pacific refueling vessel tied to Los Choneros, one of Ecuador’s most powerful criminal organizations, a year after Washington designated the gang a terrorist organization.
The strike, carried out under Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, targeted logistics infrastructure rather than a trafficking boat directly, marking a tactical shift in the broader maritime campaign.
The strike lands amid a wider regional pattern that includes over 212 deaths from Caribbean boat strikes and the earlier killing of Tren de Aragua leader “Niño Guerrero.”
Rubio in Barranquilla: Colombia Hasn’t Asked for U.S. Troops, But the Door Isn’t Closed Either
BARRANQUILLA — Rubio’s first visit to Colombia as Secretary of State centered on narco-terrorism, ELN leadership sheltering in Venezuela, and trade, with President de la Espriella hosting the two-hour meeting at Batallón Paraíso.
When asked about a possible U.S. military base on Colombian soil, Rubio said Colombia hasn’t formally requested troops, but left the door open:
“Whatever they ask, we’re prepared to provide.”
The meeting builds on an already-pledged $1 billion security package, even as Colombia's Congress and top administrative court confirm they haven’t been consulted on any troop-related proposal.
Mexico Captures “La Línea” Plaza Boss in Chihuahua, With U.S. Ambassador Publicly Crediting Shared Intelligence
MEXICO — Mexican forces capture Epifanio “El Pepa” N., a La Línea plaza boss operating near the Chihuahua-U.S. border, in a joint operation with his son also arrested and weapons and ammunition seized.
U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson publicly credited the arrest to shared intelligence between American and Mexican authorities.
“El Pepa” is wanted for extradition to the U.S. on drug trafficking charges tied to his alleged role coordinating both narcotics and migrant smuggling for the Nuevo Cártel de Juárez.
