Brazil, Colombia, and Peru Unite to Combat Organized Crime through…

Brazil, Colombia, and Peru conducted the BRACOLPER 2024 multinational naval exercise in the Amazon to combat organized crime. Over 2,000 service members participated in the anniversary event, comprising three phases in ports spanning all three countries. The exercise focused on enhancing naval capabilities and regional security addressing increasing criminal activities related to drug trafficking and illegal exploitation of resources.

In a significant multinational effort, naval units from Brazil, Colombia, and Peru engaged in the BRACOLPER 2024 exercise, conducted in the Amazon River border regions shared by these three nations. The initiative aimed to enhance military preparedness against organized crime, thereby promoting regional security, as reported by the Peruvian news agency Andina. Spanning from July 17 to September 9, the BRACOLPER exercise occurred in three phases, incorporating the ports of Iquitos (Peru), Leticia (Colombia), and Manaus (Brazil), with over 2,000 service members and various naval assets participating. This year’s exercise commemorates the 50th anniversary of this collaborative effort. Defense expert Andrei Serbin Pont highlighted the importance of such training in strengthening naval capabilities, fostering cooperation among the countries sharing the Amazonian border to combat transnational threats effectively. During the exercises, troops conducted essential activities, including communications, cargo transfer, interdiction, and patrolling between Leticia and Iquitos. Furthermore, the third phase involved tactical maneuvers and an amphibious landing between Leticia and Manaus. Serbin Pont emphasized the increasing prevalence of crimes such as drug trafficking, environmental exploitation, wildlife trafficking, and illegal mining in the region. Given that Brazil, Colombia, and Peru encompass 80 percent of the Amazonian territory, effective coordination and collaboration are imperative for the protection and sustainable development of this vital area. The International Crisis Group has reported that various criminal organizations capitalize on the limited state presence and abundant natural resources in the Amazon, exacerbating issues of cross-border crime between Brazilian, Colombian, and Peruvian entities involved in illicit activities ranging from coca cultivation to illegal logging and mining. In response to these challenges, President Dina Boluarte of Peru announced the establishment of the Amazon and National Surveillance System, aimed at safeguarding natural resources and biodiversity, alongside the Amazon and National Protection System, which seeks to protect the rights of local communities. Notably, the Peruvian Navy deployed several vessels, including the river gunboats BAP Ucayali and BAP Castilla, whereas the Brazilian Navy contributed river patrol vessels. The Colombian Navy participated with gunboats ARC Leticia and ARC Arauca. The cooperative efforts not only enhance military operational capacity but also affirm a commitment to maintaining peace and territorial integrity in the face of organized crime. The BRACOLPER exercise originated in 1974, with an enduring commitment from Brazil, Colombia, and Peru to conduct annual operations aimed at fostering interoperability and coordination among their respective military forces. This year’s activities also included securing riverside areas, conducting parachute drops, and various rescue and medical maneuvers. Ultimately, the culmination of such exercises serves to reinforce military interoperability among neighboring countries, which is critical in ensuring peace and stability within the Latin American region.

The BRACOLPER exercise stands as a prominent initiative involving the navies of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru formed in 1974 to confront shared challenges in the Amazon region. The Amazon River, rich in natural resources but plagued by organized crime, demands cooperative action among these nations to protect both their territorial integrity and the environment. Over the years, BRACOLPER has facilitated military cooperation aimed at tackling threats such as drug trafficking and illegal mining while ensuring the sustainable development of the region.

The BRACOLPER 2024 exercise epitomizes the determination of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru to collaborate against pervasive organized crime and safeguard the Amazon region. By combining naval strengths and conducting joint operations, these countries reaffirm their commitment to maintaining peace, enhancing military interoperability, and addressing mutual challenges within the region.

Original Source: dialogo-americas.com