BRACOLPER 2024: A Tri-National Initiative to Combat Organized Crime in the Amazon

Brazil, Colombia, and Peru executed the BRACOLPER 2024 exercise in the Amazon River region to enhance military collaboration against organized crime. The initiative involved 2,000 personnel and coincides with the 50th anniversary of this multinational activity. Emphasizing joint training, the exercise aims to reinforce regional security amidst increasing criminal activities, highlighting the need for continued cooperation between these Amazonian nations.

Brazil, Colombia, and Peru conducted the multinational naval exercise BRACOLPER 2024 along the Amazon River border, aimed at enhancing military preparedness against organized crime and ensuring regional security. Notably, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the initiative, which involved more than 2,000 service members and was executed in three stages from July 17 to September 9, with operations taking place in the ports of Iquitos (Peru), Leticia (Colombia), and Manaus (Brazil).The exercise underscored the importance of joint training to strengthen the navies’ capabilities and promote cooperation in addressing transnational threats. Andrei Serbin Pont, a defense expert, highlighted that the increasing prevalence of crimes such as drug trafficking and illegal mining within the Amazon underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts among the countries that share this vital region.During the exercise’s second phase, participants engaged in various maneuvers, including cargo transfers and maritime patrols between Leticia and Iquitos. The third phase focused on tactical operations involving the amphibious landing of Marines and other jungle maneuvers. The collaborative military efforts are further supported by national initiatives, such as the Amazon and National Surveillance System announced by Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, aimed at safeguarding natural resources and local communities in the Amazon with a comprehensive strategy addressing multiple risks.Furthermore, the exercise emphasized interoperability among military forces from the three nations, essential for maintaining peace and security within Latin America. Additionally, there is a growing recognition of the significant criminal activities leveraging the region’s resources, as detailed by the International Crisis Group, which noted that local criminal groups often exploit the vulnerability of state presence in the area. As these nations commit to their joint efforts, the prospects for enhancing regional security and sustainable management of the Amazon present both collaboration opportunities and challenges ahead.

The Amazon River, shared by Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, has become a focal point for various criminal activities exacerbated by inadequate state presence and economic hardships in local communities. The multinational exercise BRACOLPER serves as a platform for these countries to collaboratively confront issues such as drug trafficking, wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, and mining. Established in 1974, BRACOLPER has evolved to promote interoperability and coordination within their naval forces, critical for safeguarding the vast resources of the Amazon and ensuring peace in the region. Recent trends in criminal activities have prompted the establishment of national defense systems aimed at protecting both the environment and the rights of communities residing in the Amazon rainforest, further amplifying the significance of international military cooperation.

In summary, the BRACOLPER 2024 exercise represents a critical initiative undertaken by Brazil, Colombia, and Peru to bolster their military capabilities against organized crime and strengthen regional security. The exercise, commemorating 50 years of collaboration, reflects a unified commitment to tackle transnational threats through joint training and enhanced cooperation. With the growing challenges posed by illegal activities in the Amazon, the commitment from these nations to collaborate is essential for the sustainable management of the region and the protection of its natural resources. The efforts also align with broader national strategies aimed at fostering development while preserving the rights of communities within the Amazon.

Original Source: dialogo-americas.com