The Andes
Peru: coup d’etat against Humala planned?
Following a shake-up in the military high command, the Peruvian blogosphere is abuzz with rumors of an imminent coup d'etat against President Ollanta Humala.
Tag: arms traffic
Africa
Cameroon takes steps against Boko Haram
Authorities in Cameroon have beefed up border controls in the Far North region to guard against infiltration by Boko Haram as civilians flee the growing war in Nigeria.
Mexico
Mexico busts more Sinaloa Cartel biggies —but still not El Chapo
Three accused Sinaloa Cartel operatives go on trial in the US, while Guatemala denies rumors that the cartel’s fugitive kingpin was killed in a jungle shoot-out with police.
Greater Middle East
HRW: Syria continuing use of cluster bombs
The Syrian government is currently using cluster munitions in its ongoing conflict, according to a report by the Landmine and Cluster Munition Moniter.
Southern Cone
Argentina: Menem faces trial for factory explosion
Already convicted of arms smuggling, now former president Menem is charged with involvement in a fatal arms factory explosion that destroyed evidence of the contraband.
Watching the Shadows
Wanted by Italy, ex-CIA agent is released to US
Panama detained but quickly released an ex-CIA agent wanted for kidnapping in Italy. Cuban sources link him to the Contragate scandal; since 2005 he's been living in Honduras.
Southern Cone
Argentina: ex-president gets prison term —almost
Argentina’s highest criminal court sentenced ex-president Carlos Menem to prison for arms trafficking, but due to official immunity he will likely serve no time.
Mexico
‘Drug war’ dissent at OAS summit
More than 160 civil society organizations sent an open letter to the OAS summit, calling for alternatives to the “war on drugs” that guarantee respect for human rights.
Mexico
Mexico: study says arms smuggling keeps US dealers in business
A new study correlating arms sales with dealers’ locations estimates that about a quarter of a million firearms purchased in the US are smuggled into Mexico each year.
Mexico
Mexican media mum on murderous mayhem
Gangland street shoot-outs in Tamaulipas left scores dead this past week just south of the Texas border—without a word of coverage in Mexico’s media, due to cartel threats.
Southern Cone
Argentina: Menem smuggling acquittal overturned
On their second try, prosecutors won a conviction of ex-president Carlos Menem for arms smuggling during the 1990s, but as a senator he will probably not face jail time.
Mexico
Mexico: victims’ movement calls for US gun control
54,558 people have signed a letter calling on US President Obama and other officials to stop the flow of smuggled firearms from the US to Mexican drug gangs.