Brazil, Colombia, and Peru conducted the BRACOLPER 2024 military exercise to enhance readiness against organized crime along the Amazon River. The event included over 2,000 service members and utilized various naval assets across multiple stages. Highlighting rising crime rates and the need for cooperation in the region, military officials emphasized the importance of joint training for effective operations against transnational threats.
In a significant cooperative effort, the navies of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru recently conducted the multinational exercise named BRACOLPER 2024 within the border regions of the Amazon River. This exercise was designed to enhance the preparedness of military troops in combating organized crime while ensuring regional security, as reported by the Peruvian news agency Andina. Spanning from July 17 to September 9, the exercise unfolded in three distinct stages, utilizing the ports of Iquitos (Peru), Leticia (Colombia), and Manaus (Brazil). Over 2,000 service members participated, showcasing a substantial deployment of naval assets. This year marks the 50th anniversary of BRACOLPER, underscoring its long-standing importance. Defense specialist Andrei Serbin Pont stated, “This type of training serves to reinforce the navies’ capabilities and increase river cooperation, where these nations share borders, to exchange knowledge and strengthen their capabilities in the fight against transnational threats.” During the naval maneuvers, participants engaged in various training exercises focusing on communication, cargo transfers, and interdiction. Phase two involved cooperation between the ports of Leticia and Iquitos, emphasizing operational exercises related to maritime logistics and security. The third phase, reported by Spanish news site Infodefensa, involved tactical operations between Leticia and Manaus, including an amphibious landing executed by Marines and tailored tactical maneuvers within the jungle environment. Serbin Pont pointed out that, “in recent years, crimes such as drug trafficking, environmental exploitation, wildlife trafficking, and illegal mining have increased in the Amazon,” highlighting the critical need for coordinated efforts among Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, which collectively account for 80 percent of the Amazonian territory. The International Crisis Group has also noted the challenges posed by various criminal organizations in this region, which exploit the weak state presence and the wealth of natural resources. These groups engage in diverse illegal activities, particularly in coca cultivation and environmental exploitation. In light of these challenges, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte announced a new Amazon and National Surveillance System focusing on the sustainable management of natural resources and protecting the rights of local communities. This initiative will enhance operational forces’ efforts against the multifaceted risks facing the Amazon. For the BRACOLPER exercise, the Peruvian Navy utilized multiple river gunboats, including BAP Ucayali and BAP Clavero. The Brazilian Navy contributed with vessels such as the river patrol ships Raposo Tavares and Roraima, while the Colombian Navy was represented by gunboats ARC Leticia and ARC Arauca. “These exercises test compatibility, techniques, strategies, and operability in the field, simulating real situations,” concluded Serbin Pont, emphasizing that military interoperability is essential for maintaining peace and security within Latin America. As the Colombian Navy’s Amazon Naval Force expressed, they will continue to engage in operations like BRACOLPER, further enhancing their naval capabilities and counteracting the pervasive threats of transnational crime.
The BRACOLPER exercise represents a collaborative military effort among Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, focused on enhancing regional security and combating organized crime prevalent in the Amazon region. This initiative underscores the need for military interoperability and cooperation as these three countries face increasing challenges from various criminal organizations seeking to exploit the abundant natural resources available in the Amazon Basin. Given the complex and often hostile environment associated with drug trafficking, environmental degradation, and illegal mining, joint exercises like BRACOLPER prove vital in preparing military forces to address these threats effectively.
In conclusion, the BRACOLPER 2024 exercise illustrates the commitment of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru to collaborating in the face of transnational crime and ensuring the security of the Amazon region. As criminal organizations continue to exploit vulnerabilities, the importance of organized military cooperation cannot be overstated. Through continued efforts like BRACOLPER, the armed forces of these nations are poised to reinforce regional stability and safeguard their shared resources.
Original Source: dialogo-americas.com
