Brazil, Colombia, and Peru executed the multinational BRACOLPER 2024 military exercise in the Amazon, focusing on combating organized crime and enhancing regional security. The exercise marked its 50th anniversary, involved over 2,000 troops across three phases, and highlighted the need for collaborative strategies to manage rising criminal activities in the region. Experts underscored the importance of interoperability and training among the navies to ensure peace and security in Latin America.
Brazil, Colombia, and Peru conducted the multinational military exercise BRACOLPER 2024 in the Amazon River border regions, emphasizing joint efforts to combat organized crime and bolster regional security. The exercise spanned three phases from July 17 to September 9, involving naval operations across the ports of Iquitos (Peru), Leticia (Colombia), and Manaus (Brazil), with over 2,000 military personnel participating. This edition commemorates the 50th anniversary of the BRACOLPER exercises. The initial phase encompassed activities designed to enhance the navies’ capabilities and facilitate cooperation in riverine operations among the participating nations. During the second phase, troops conducted various operations, including communications, cargo transfers, interdiction, and river patrolling. The concluding phase featured amphibious landings and tactical maneuvers in jungle environments. Defense expert Andrei Serbin Pont highlighted the ongoing struggles with increases in crimes such as drug trafficking, deforestation, wildlife trafficking, and illegal mining within the Amazon region, emphasizing that Brazil, Colombia, and Peru share 80 percent of the Amazonian territory. This collaboration aims not only to enhance security against these threats but also contribute to sustainable development in the region. The International Crisis Group pointed out the flourishing of criminal organizations in areas where the states have a limited presence, exacerbated by abundant natural resources and local poverty. Notably, Brazilian criminal syndicates have been exploiting partnerships with Colombian guerrillas and Peruvian traffickers, engaging in diverse illicit activities. In a notable recent development, President Dina Boluarte of Peru announced the establishment of an Amazon and National Surveillance System to protect natural resources and manage the region effectively, complementing the operational efforts against threats. Each participating navy deployed significant assets: the Peruvian Navy utilized river gunboats and marine battalions; the Brazilian Navy contributed patrol vessels and a hospital ship; and the Colombian Navy deployed gunboats as well. Serbin Pont emphasized the critical nature of combined training exercises in fostering interoperability among military forces, stating, “Combined training in the field is key to practical learning in any military activity.” This multinational initiative not only underscores a commitment to safeguarding territorial integrity but also highlights the importance of collaborative military exercises in ensuring peace and security in Latin America. BRACOLPER operations trace their origins to 1974, and the participating nations have maintained a steadfast determination to conduct these exercises annually without fail—a practice rooted in the belief that effective interoperability and coordination are vital for their success. Activities included not only naval operations but also extensive training in personnel deployment, medical evacuations, and securing critical waterways.
The BRACOLPER exercise reflects a commitment among Brazil, Colombia, and Peru to address the growing threats posed by organized crime in the Amazon region. With the shared border comprising 80 percent of the Amazon territory, these countries recognize the importance of collaboration to ensure not only national security but also the protection of natural resources. The initiative serves as a response to the increased activities of criminal organizations that have flourished in areas with limited state presence, thereby necessitating a coordinated military approach to regional safety and environmental preservation.
In conclusion, the BRACOLPER 2024 exercise signifies a pivotal collaborative effort among Brazil, Colombia, and Peru to confront organized criminal activities threatening the Amazon region. By leveraging their naval capabilities through joint training exercises, these nations aim to enhance their readiness to tackle transnational crime while also fostering sustainable development and peace. The commitment to continuity in these exercises underscores the critical importance of military cooperation in ensuring regional stability.
Original Source: dialogo-americas.com
