Southeast Asia

Blood jade empire as Burma warlords diversify

Burma’s military and the rebel Kachin Independence Army vie in control for a semi-underground jade industry in the northern jungles, with the exports going to China.

The Andes

Colombia pays Ecuador for fumigation damages

Colombia paid Ecuador $15 million after anti-narcotics fumigation planes dropped herbicides along the border, harming crops and communities in Ecuadoran territory.

Central America

Guatemala: mineral interests behind massacre?

Indigenous authorities in the Guatemalan pueblo of Nacahuil reject government claims that a massacre there was the work of drug gangs, pointing to violence against mining opponents.

Central America

Honduras grants title to Miskito territory

After 40 years of conflicts, protests and negotiations, the government of Honduras formally granted indigenous communities title to nearly all of the country’s remote Miskito Coast. 

Mexico

Ciudad Juárez: femicide avenger strikes back

A vigilante calling herself Diana​ the Hunter claimed credit for the slaying of two bus drivers in Ciudad Juárez, calling it revenge for sexual abuse of women by night-shift drivers.

The Andes

Colombia: ex-senator wanted for para links

Colombia's high court issued a an arrest order for Luis Alfredo Ramos, former senator and current presidential candidate, on suspicion of collaboration with paramilitaries.

The Andes

Bolivia: prison massacre sparks protests

Family members of inmates are keeping vigil outside Bolivia's Palmasola prison after an explosion of violence at the facility left at least 30 dead—but still not identified.

The Andes

Colombia: strike wave begins with violence

Colombia's campesinos, miners, truckers and other sectors launched a nationwide strike, with clashes reported as National Police troops attacked roadblocks.

Mexico

Mexico: Gulf Cartel kingpin busted

The presumed kingpin of the Gulf Cartel, Mario Ramírez Treviño AKA “El Pelón,” was arrested by Mexican army troops along with two henchmen in Río Bravo, Tamaulipas.

Mexico

Mexico: notorious kingpin Caro Quintero freed

Mexico’s most notorious kingpin, Rafael Caro Quintero, was released from Puente Grande federal prison in Jalisco where he had been incarcerated for the past 28 years.