General Douglas M. Fraser, Commander of U.S. Southern Command, spoke with AS/COA Online about supporting relief efforts in Chile and Haiti, the fight against illicit trafficking, Iran’s growing ties with Latin America, and weapons modernization in the Andes.
A UN investigation concluded that a slain Guatemalan lawyer hired a hit man to stage his own murder, despite a video alleging the country's president was behind the killing.
Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo reshuffled his country's top military commanders last week, sparking concerns about whether he has a secure hold on his post. The former priest faces a challenge from the opposition-controlled legislature and a string of paternity suits.
Colombia's Defense Minister Gabriel Silva indicated that a pending U.S.-Colombian military deal could be signed this week. The pact allows U.S. military troops access to seven bases in Colombia and has drawn concern from some South American countries, particularly neighboring Venezuela.
"Countries where democracy is weak...have proven, time and time again, to be the most likely portals through which unhelpful influences such as Iran are introduced into the region," explained COA's Vice President Eric Farnsorth in testimony to U.S. Congress.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced a major bust of over 300 people linked to La Familia, a violent Mexican drug cartel. The crackdown involved massive drug seizures and spanned 19 states.