The Andes

Peru: Sendero hits back against Plan VRAE

Five agents were killed when some 50 Shining Path guerillas attacked a police base in the Ene and Apurimac River Valley (VRAE), where a counter-insurgency operation is underway.

Mexico

Mexico: narco-violence reaches new high

The Mexican newspaper Milenio finds that July was the bloodiest month in the country since President Felipe CalderĂłn took office, with 854 killed in narco-violence.

The Andes

Press freedom under assault in Venezuela?

Venezuelan Prosecutor General Luisa Ortega proposed legislation to limit the media’s freedom of expression in certain circumstances, citing the importance of national security.

Iran

Iran: “Velvet Revolutionaries” on trial

Trials have begun of 100 protesters arrested following Iran’s disputed June election. The charges against the defendants include participating in an attempted “Velvet Revolution.”

Inner Asia

China to try suspects held after Xinjiang riots

China will begin trials over the next weeks for suspects accused in last month’s deadly riots in Xinjiang. Human rights groups have little confidence the tribunals will be fair.