US policy opposing European interference in the Americas
Colombia is joining the Shield of the Americas coalition, aligning with the US-led effort against drug cartels. The announcement comes as the Trump administration urges allies to reject the ICC, arguing the court intrudes on sovereignty. Rights groups warn of legal and civilian risks amid intensified regional security operations.
The Trump administration has extended its counter-narcotics campaign in Latin America, pursuing joint ground operations with allied nations after earlier drone and naval actions. Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras have agreed to allow U.S. forces to operate on land against narco-terrorist networks, while Ecuador joins similar missions. Critics warn of civilian harm and sovereignty concerns as partnerships deepen.
Former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández has been cleared by a Honduran judge in a Pandora I corruption case tied to 2010–2013 public spending. Hernández has returned from the United States after a 2025 presidential pardon and has insisted he is innocent. Prosecutors can appeal the judge's decision, the judiciary has said.
Argentina's president Javier Milei has publicly renewed Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas), has announced plans to sanction companies working on the Sea Lion oilfield and has ordered probes into entities tied to hydrocarbon exploration. His comments follow recent US remarks that have signalled Washington is reviewing its neutral stance, and Britain and islanders have reiterated support for self‑determination.
The United States is strengthening security ties with Colombia, Ecuador and Peru as right‑wing leadership grows in the region. Washington has designated cartels as foreign threats and seeks closer military and economic cooperation, while regional partners push back on violence tied to narcotics networks.
Incumbent Lula faces far-right rival Bolsonaro in Brazil’s pivotal presidential election. Polls show a tight race with a potential runoff on Oct. 25. Both candidates frame the contest as a choice over democracy, sovereignty and regional influence as Latin America shifts politically.
Opinion polls and election results have shown Senator Flávio Bolsonaro leading President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva after the Oct. 4 first round, and polls released in mid‑October have kept the race within a narrow margin ahead of the Oct. 25 runoff. Bolsonaro has consolidated some endorsements while Lula has pushed a shorter workweek and social measures to energise voters.
The UN General Assembly has approved a resolution condemning the US embargo on Cuba by 130 votes to 17, with 25 abstentions. The vote has taken place as the Trump administration is intensifying economic pressure, including an effective fuel blockade that has caused widespread blackouts and shortages in Cuba, and US officials have openly discussed military options and covert engagement with dissidents.