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Expansion and geopolitical aims of the Shield of the Am

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2026-10-04 03:04 UTC → 2026-10-04 13:15 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C), also known as the ‘Shield of the Americas’ or ‘Escudo de las Américas’, has been formalized through a joint declaration signed by fifteen governments. This multilateral strategy focuses on three pillars: economic cooperation, regional security strengthening, and multilateral diplomatic coordination. To disrupt transnational criminal and narcoterrorist networks—including the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco Nueva Generación, Clan del Golf, ELN, FARC dissidents, and the Venezuelan-origin Tren de Aragua—signatory nations have agreed to freeze financial assets, revoke visas, and restrict the mobility of collaborators. The coalition has classified 24 drug trafficking groups as “terrorists,” including Brazilian organizations such as the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV). Beyond security, the initiative has drawn attention as a mechanism to counter Chinese economic influence by reviewing critical mineral supply chains and establishing regulations for “reliable suppliers” of digital infrastructure. ~~While the initiative has faced scrutiny in Chile and Peru regarding national sovereignty and transparency, Peruvian~~ In Peru, President Keiko Fujimori has moved to strengthen the nation's involvement. Following the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Fujimori emphasized Peru’s incorporation into the ~~‘Escudo de las Américas’~~ initiative during engagements with U.S. President Donald Trump. She characterized organized crime as a “threat to American democracies” and noted that cooperation will target both criminal actors and their financial and logistical support structures. Fujimori also indicated that the Peruvian Armed Forces will support the National Police in operations against criminal organizations, while framing the alliance as a means to promote international investment ~~opportunities within Peru.~~ opportunities. In Chile, the initiative has sparked political debate. Former President Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle has expressed support for Chile joining the coalition, arguing that the nation cannot face regional criminal networks in isolation. He emphasized the benefits of intelligence sharing and improved border control. However, this stance contradicts a joint declaration by former presidents Michelle Bachelet and Gabriel Boric, who urged the government of President José Antonio Kast to reconsider participation.

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