Latin America Defense Monitor — August 22–29, 2026
Colombia's new government bombs FARC-dissident camps in Guaviare and joins the Escudo de las Américas; a US laser downs three cartel drones on the Mexico border; US Special Forces confirmed in Ecuador; a carrier moves into the Caribbean; Brazil pitches warships to Argentina; Lockheed offers Peru $1.8bn. The post Latin America Defense Monitor — August 22–29, 2026 appeared first on The Rio Times .
This week's Latin America Defense Monitor begins in Colombia, where President Abelardo de la Espriella has taken decisive action. On Thursday, the air force launched Operation AMÓN against FARC-dissident camps in the Guaviare department, killing at least eight fighters. This marks the second airstrike since De la Espriella's inauguration on August 7.
The operation is part of a 100-day plan consisting of 15 "beta operations" targeting armed-group leadership. De la Espriella recently signed Colombia into the Shield of the Americas, a US-led security alliance, and appointed General Erik Rodríguez Aparicio as commander-general of the armed forces. This move comes after Aparicio was removed by his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, due to concerns over forced civilian registration in Meta and Guaviare.
The Shield of the Americas alliance has led to discussions of joint US-Colombian military operations and a potential $1 billion assistance package. Elsewhere, the US military employed a high-energy laser for the first time in anger on the Mexican border, successfully taking down three cartel drones over the Rio Grande Valley. Additionally, Ecuadorian officials confirmed the presence of US Special Forces in the country, with two US warships on the way.
Furthermore, a US aircraft carrier has moved into the Caribbean near Venezuela, while another suspected drug boat was targeted and four individuals were killed.
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