Trump’s strategy against crime in Latin America

What is the new artificial intelligence-based warfare command?

The United States created the Autonomous Warfare Command (SAWC), a unit that uses drones and unmanned platforms coordinated by artificial intelligence. The objective is to monitor and neutralize criminals on several fronts, from the digital environment to underwater operations, focusing specifically on cartels and narco-terrorist groups operating on the Latin American continent.

Which criminal groups have come to be considered terrorists?

The American government classified factions such as Tren de Aragua (Venezuela), Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. In practice, this allows the US to apply stricter laws, freeze the assets of these groups anywhere in the world and have a legal basis to carry out direct military attacks where these factions operate.

How does Operation Southern Spear work in the oceans?

Operation Southern Spear focuses on blocking trafficking routes in the Caribbean and Pacific. To this end, the Trump administration mobilized the largest aircraft carrier in the world, the USS Gerald R. Ford, as well as fighter jets and drones. To date, the action has resulted in 52 attacks against suspected vessels, being considered the largest American military mobilization in the region since the Cold War.

What is the Shield of the Americas and who participates?

It is a military and intelligence coalition launched by Trump with 17 countries in the region, such as Argentina, Ecuador and El Salvador. The proposal is to join forces to exchange information and carry out joint police operations against factions. Countries governed by left-wing leaders, such as Brazil, Mexico and Colombia, were left out of this initial alliance.

What is the current status of cooperation between the USA and Brazil?

Despite formal agreements to monitor ports and borders, the relationship is in a diplomatic impasse. There is political tension between the Trump and Lula governments, worsened by episodes of expulsion of diplomatic agents. Brazilian experts and police say that, in practice, the partnerships have not yet brought visible results in the fight against organized crime in the national territory.