Latin America

• Mexico: troops called in to curb violence after cartel leader killed 27 February 2026
  The government has deployed thousands of troops after deadly unrest followed the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. Around 9,500 soldiers have been sent to western states, including 2,500 reinforcements to Jalisco, where he was captured. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, long regarded as one…
• Panama: government takes over control of ports from Hong Kong company 27 February 2026
  The two key ports at either end of the Panama Canal have been taken over by the Panamanian government. This follows a supreme court ruling last month that the renewed 25-year concession given to Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison to operate the ports was ‘unconstitutional’. The authorities have entered the…
• Peru: congress ousts president after four months 20 February 2026
  There is continuing political instability in Peru after congress removed interim president José Jerí only four months after he was appointed. Secret meetings with businessmen and allegations of influence-peddling triggered public outrage and a parliamentary vote of censure. His departure makes him the latest in a series of leaders forced…
• Venezuela: president says no to new presidential election 13 February 2026
  The president of Venezuela’s national assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, has said no presidential election will take place soon, stressing that the government’s priority is national stability. Following the controversial 2024 vote and the abduction of president Nicolás Maduro by the USA, vice president Delcy Rodríguez is now acting president. Authorities say…
• Argentina: Patagonia wildfires bring criticisms of Milei’s austerity policies 5 February 2026
  Wildfires are tearing through Argentina’s Patagonia region, burning vast areas of native forest and threatening irreplaceable ecosystems. More than 450 square kilometres have already been destroyed, including parts of a national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to ancient alerce trees which can live for thousands of years. Thousands…