Latin American security: Z Buss attacks, ATM theft, and new fire battalion

In Colombia, the transport company Z Buss has been targeted by what is reported as its seventh attack in recent weeks. A bus traveling from Lima to Huacho was shot at by individuals on a motorcycle in the Independencia district. Despite the gunfire, the driver continued the route, and no injuries were reported.

Separately, in Colombia, authorities in Bogotá apprehended two individuals for a ‘card swapping’ theft targeting an elderly person at an ATM. The suspects allegedly used adhesive to block the machine, prompting the victim to seek help, during which time the suspects swapped the victim's bank card for another to withdraw 1 million pesos. The operation was thwarted following an alert from the bank.

In Bolivia, the Army has established a specialized Forest Firefighter Battalion in San Ignacio de Velasco. With a budget of 11 million bolivianos and 450 soldiers, the unit aims to protect the Chiquitania ecosystem following devastating fire seasons in previous years.