South America

South America faces heightened turmoil after the US capture of Venezuela’s Maduro, triggering regional instability. Tensions rise around ELN camps and the Essequibo dispute. Ecuador struggles with expanding gang violence, while Colombia confronts rebels ahead of elections. Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia experience growing criminal and political unrest.

Venezuela announces release of 300 prisoners this week

Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced Tuesday that 300 prisoners will be released between Monday and Friday of this week. The group includes three police officers detained since 2003, inmates with medical conditions, and prisoners over 70 years old, according to Rodriguez

By Diego Martinez

/ 20 May 2026

Venezuela announces release of 300 prisoners this week

Venezuela's interim president arrives at ICJ for Essequibo territorial hearing

Delcy Rodríguez represents Venezuela in oil-rich border dispute with Guyana, first trip outside Caribbean since Maduro's capture

By Alex Thompson

/ 10 May 2026

Venezuela's interim president arrives at ICJ for Essequibo territorial hearing

Rubio says Venezuela requires transition phase before elections

Secretary of State emphasizes patience as interim government operates under U.S. oversight following Maduro capture

By Diego Martinez

/ 1 Apr 2026

Rubio says Venezuela requires transition phase before elections

Maduro challenges U.S. sanctions blocking legal defense payment in Manhattan court

Defense attorney argues OFAC restrictions violate Sixth Amendment right to counsel in second hearing today

By Alex Thompson

/ 26 Mar 2026

Maduro challenges U.S. sanctions blocking legal defense payment in Manhattan court

Mexican authorities rescue 229 migrants from locked truck in Veracruz

Discovery at police impound lot reveals large-scale smuggling operation following worker alert

By Diego Martinez

/ 24 Mar 2026

Mexican authorities rescue 229 migrants from locked truck in Veracruz

Colombian military plane crashes in Putumayo after takeoff, casualties unknown

Defense Minister confirms C-130 Hercules transport plane went down with approximately 110 military personnel onboard

By Alex Thompson

/ 23 Mar 2026

Colombian military plane crashes in Putumayo after takeoff, casualties unknown

Cuba experiences third nationwide blackout in two months

Island plunged into darkness as Nuevitas power plant failure follows U.S. oil embargo's three-month mark

By Diego Martinez

/ 22 Mar 2026

Cuba experiences third nationwide blackout in two months

Venezuela dismisses defense minister after 11 years in major military shake-up

Acting President Rodriguez replaces Vladimir Padrino Lopez with intelligence chief Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez

By Alex Thompson

/ 18 Mar 2026

Venezuela dismisses defense minister after 11 years in major military shake-up

Colombia accuses Ecuador of cross-border bombing that killed 27

Quito denies airspace violation as charred bodies discovered near border, escalating diplomatic crisis

By Alex Thompson

/ 17 Mar 2026

Colombia accuses Ecuador of cross-border bombing that killed 27

Colombia's fake UAE job scams funnel vulnerable workers to global mercenary networks

District ombudsman warns deceptive security offers are recruiting unemployed youth and veterans for combat in Ukraine, Sudan, and Haiti

By Diego Martinez

/ 6 Mar 2026

Colombia's fake UAE job scams funnel vulnerable workers to global mercenary networks

Trump administration prepares criminal indictment against Venezuela's Rodriguez

Draft charges for corruption and money laundering mark sharp escalation despite president's recent public praise

By Diego Martinez

/ 4 Mar 2026

Trump administration prepares criminal indictment against Venezuela's Rodriguez

U.S. blocks Venezuela from funding Maduro's legal defense in drug case

Federal sanctions office revoked payment authorization hours after granting it, raising constitutional questions about detained leader's right to counsel

By Alex Thompson

/ 26 Feb 2026

U.S. blocks Venezuela from funding Maduro's legal defense in drug case