Brazil, Colombia, and Peru conducted the BRACOLPER 2024 multinational exercise to enhance military readiness and cooperation against organized crime in the Amazon. Spanning from July to September and marking its 50th anniversary, the exercise involved over 2,000 service members across key port cities. The event underscored the importance of collaboration in tackling challenges such as drug trafficking and resource exploitation, while also highlighting the commitment to preserving regional security and biodiversity.
In an effort to enhance regional security and combat organized crime, the naval forces of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru recently engaged in a multinational exercise known as BRACOLPER 2024, particularly in the border regions along the Amazon River. As reported by the Peruvian news agency Andina, this exercise, which spanned from July 17 to September 9, culminated in a demonstration of military readiness among the participating countries, emphasizing cooperation in countering transnational threats. Conducted in three distinct stages across key port locations in Iquitos (Peru), Leticia (Colombia), and Manaus (Brazil), BRACOLPER 2024 this year marked its 50th anniversary. Over 2,000 service members participated alongside numerous naval assets. During the second phase of the exercise, collaboration included communications, cargo transfers, and patrolling operations along the riverine routes. The third phase involved troops maneuvering between Leticia and Manaus, comprising a series of tactical exercises, including amphibious landings and operational drills pertinent to the jungle environment. Andrei Serbin Pont, a noted defense specialist, remarked on the critical nature of such exercises, stating, “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.” Serbin Pont further underscored the increasing prevalence of crimes such as drug trafficking and illegal mining in the Amazon, noting that Brazil, Colombia, and Peru collectively cover 80 percent of its territory. In a subsequent report, the International Crisis Group highlighted how criminal organizations are exploiting the region’s resources and local communities’ vulnerabilities, further necessitating the need for coordinated military efforts. In alignment with these cooperative initiatives, President Dina Boluarte of Peru announced the establishment of systems focused on protecting Amazon resources and ensuring community rights. This move aims to complement military efforts in preserving the Amazon and bolstering national security. Significant naval assets were deployed by the three countries, including various river gunboats and patrol vessels, enhancing their collective operational capabilities. A defining principle of BRACOLPER has been maintaining interoperability and coordination among the countries involved, a commitment that was affirmed by both Serbin Pont and the Colombian Navy. “Combined training in the field is key to practical learning in any military activity,” he observed, reflecting on the essence of these multinational operations. The Colombian Navy plans to continue engaging in such international collaboration to further strengthen military training and efforts against organized crime.
The BRACOLPER multinational exercise, initiated in 1974, serves as a platform for Brazil, Colombia, and Peru to enhance collaborative military operations, particularly in response to the myriad challenges posed by transnational crime in the Amazon region. This partnership is vital, given that these three nations control substantial portions of the Amazon and are increasingly facing threats from criminal organizations. Cooperation through regular exercises has become essential for operational readiness and the safeguarding of regional security. The Amazon basin is a crucial area not only for its biodiversity but also for its vast resources, making it a target for illegal activities like drug trafficking and environmental exploitation.
The BRACOLPER 2024 exercise represents a significant step forward in regional collaboration among Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, emphasizing the necessity for collective action in addressing organized crime and ensuring the security of the Amazon territory. This continued partnership among the three nations is crucial for combating the escalated threats facing the region and establishing a framework for sustainable management of its natural resources. The affirmation of military interoperability aligns with broader strategic objectives aimed at fostering peace and stability in Latin America.
Original Source: dialogo-americas.com
