Jesus Romero and William Acosta for Poder & Dinero and FinGurú
The national security of the United States faces a series of interrelated challenges that have evolved over the past decades, and one of the most concerning factors is the role of Nicolás Maduro's regime in the region. The Maduro regime continues to foster the presence of armed groups and has established connections with actors such as the ELN, dissidents of the FARC, and terrorist organizations like Hezbollah. This situation not only represents an internal challenge for the United States but also a significant threat to regional security, linked to drug trafficking, control of strategic routes, and the expansion of Iranian influence.
During the confirmation hearings by the Senate for appointed members of President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet, Marco Rubio, designated as Secretary of State, stated that the presence of Iran assisting the Maduro regime in the production of Iranian drones for unclear activities is concerning.
The United States does not have the luxury of allowing the presence and cooperation of a narco-state to advance with a terrorist country, which would pose a threat to U.S. security and interests. This relationship only allows the advancement of terrorist cooperation, including war materials and future threats that could include chemical or nuclear weapons. It is simply an open door inviting terrorism.
Support for Armed Groups
The Nicolás Maduro regime has provided support and refuge to various armed groups, including dissidents of the FARC. This backing not only strengthens these groups but also allows them to operate with impunity in Venezuelan territory. The presence of these armed actors presents a direct risk to Colombia's security and, consequently, to the stability of the entire region.
Infiltration of Iranian Agents
The presence of Iranian and Hezbollah agents in Colombia and Venezuela has raised security alarms in the region. These agents not only seek to establish connections with armed groups but may also be involved in espionage and destabilization activities. The collaboration among these actors poses a significant risk to hemispheric security.
Training of Armed Groups in the Use of Drones
One of the most concerning developments in the collaboration between Iran and the dissidents of the FARC is the training in the use of drones. Iran has provided technology and training to these armed groups in handling specialized drones, which are capable of carrying out various operations, including transporting explosive loads.
Development and Capabilities of Drones
The drones being used in this context are more advanced than those used in previous attacks. This includes enhanced capabilities for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and conducting precise strikes. With proper training, these drones can become devastating tools in the hands of armed groups, significantly increasing their destructive potential.
Implications for Regional Security
The use of drones by armed groups represents a game changer in the conflict dynamics in the region. As these organizations acquire sophisticated technologies, their ability to carry out more lethal and harder-to-detect operations increases. This not only puts Colombian security forces at risk but also poses a direct threat to the civilian population and the stability of the region as a whole.
The capability of these groups to conduct aerial attacks, perform reconnaissance, and coordinate operations from a distance changes the nature of confrontations, complicating the work of security forces. Moreover, the use of drones can facilitate large-scale terrorist attacks, raising security concerns throughout Latin America.
Objective to Export the Islamic Revolution
Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the Iranian regime has sought to expand its influence in Latin America, viewing it as fertile ground to spread anti-American ideas. This goal translates into systematic efforts to forge strategic alliances and promote Islamic ideology in various countries in the region, thereby weakening U.S. influence.
Cooperation with Drug Cartels
Iran has established terror networks that collaborate with drug cartels and corrupt politicians, facilitating human and arms trafficking as well as money laundering and financing of terrorist activities. This collaboration not only allows Iran to maintain funding flows but also introduces asymmetric warfare technologies and tactics into the criminal sphere, posing a direct threat to U.S. security.
Criminal Convergence
The intersection of FARC drug trafficking and Hezbollah money laundering in Venezuela reinforces their operational networks and capacity to destabilize the region. This pattern of collaboration allows both groups to maximize their economic and operational gains, granting them greater capacity to carry out illicit and violent activities.
Destabilization in the Americas
The FARC-Hezbollah criminal convergence is anticipated to have destabilizing effects in the region over the next decade (2020-2030). The combination of illegal activities with a radical political ideology could result in increased violence, corruption, and instability in key countries, posing a direct risk to U.S. security.
Failed Entry Attempt
Recently, six Iranian citizens attempted to enter Colombia with false passports, coming from Brazil and Venezuela, but were denied entry due to irregularities in their documents. This failed attempt highlights the need to strengthen surveillance and border control to prevent the infiltration of foreign agents.
Iran-Venezuela Relationship
The alliance between Iran and Venezuela has consolidated over the years, making Venezuela a key ally for Iran in the western hemisphere. This strategic relationship allows Iran to expand its influence in the region and establish support networks that can be used for illegal operations.
Use of Brazil and Mexico
Brazil is identified as a springboard for Iranian operations, while Mexico is seen as a gateway into the United States, leveraging human trafficking and drug trafficking networks. This dynamic presents a significant risk, facilitating the movement of Iranian agents and criminal activities northward.
Geopolitical Threat
Analysts warn of the possibility that Iran may coordinate terrorist attacks in several countries in the hemisphere, representing a significant threat to regional security. Iran's ability to operate in the region underscores the need for vigilance and international cooperation.
Need for Coordination
The need for coordinated actions among the region's governments to face this complex threat is emphasized. Cooperation between the United States and its allies in Latin America is crucial to dismantle criminal networks and address the underlying causes of instability.
Pattern of Behavior and Corruption
The Iranian regime exploits the structural weaknesses of the region, such as porous borders and corruption, to carry out illegal activities with impunity. This corruption not only limits the capacity of governments to respond to threats but also undermines the rule of law and governance in many Latin American countries.
Long-term Strategy
The lack of a long-term strategy on the part of democratic governments has favored the growth of these organizations, which operate with a long-term vision. This dynamic has allowed groups such as the FARC and Hezbollah to consolidate their power and expand their influence without facing significant consequences.
Conclusion
The Iranian influence in Latin America, coupled with Nicolás Maduro's regime collaboration with armed groups and drug traffickers, represents a complex web of threats affecting both U.S. national security and the stability of the region. In particular, the training in the use of drones to the dissidents of the FARC highlights the technological evolution of these organizations and their ability to carry out more sophisticated operations. It is essential for the United States to adopt a comprehensive approach that includes international cooperation, strengthening security capacities in Colombia, and promoting policies that address the roots of drug trafficking and violence in the region. The security of the region and the integrity of the United States depend on decisive and well-coordinated action in the face of this growing threat.
Credits:
The information presented in this article was obtained from various news sources including The New York Times, The Washington Post, El Tiempo, and Reuters.
Jesus Romero retired after 37 years of service in the U.S. government, covering military, intelligence, and diplomatic roles. He began his career in the Navy in 1984, rising from enlisted member to Naval Intelligence Officer through the Navy's Enlisted Commissioning Program. A graduate of Norfolk State University with a bachelor's degree in Political Science, Romero also completed Naval Aviation Pre-Flight Training and served in various capacities, including aboard a nuclear missile cruiser and in attack squadrons. His deployments included Libya, Bosnia, Iraq, and Somalia. Romero's intelligence career included key assignments with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Panama, the Pacific Joint Intelligence Center in Hawaii, and leading U.S. efforts to locate missing personnel in Asia. He retired from active service in 2006, decorated with numerous medals including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal. After his military career, Romero worked as a defense contractor for BAE Systems and Booz Allen Hamilton. He spent 15 years in civil service as an Intelligence Operations Specialist in the Army Department's Southern Joint Interagency Task Force in Florida. His diplomatic roles abroad included stints in Peru, Ecuador, and Guatemala. Romero has been widely recognized, including the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Medal from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Army Superior Civilian Service Medal, and multiple international awards for his contribution to drug trafficking missions. Romero wrote his last book to honor his colleagues and illuminate disruptive strategies against an international criminal organization that under his leadership significantly impeded cocaine trade towards the United States. His efforts helped to dismantle operations supporting Mexican cartels and reduced the cocaine air bridge by more than 120 tons annually.
He is the author of the Amazon best seller titled "The Final Flight: The Queen of the Air"
William Acosta is the founder and CEO of Equalizer Private Investigations & Security Services Inc. He has coordinated investigations related to international drug trafficking, money laundering, and homicides in the U.S. and other countries around the world such as Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, England, and literally, all of Latin America.
William has been a Police Investigator for New York for 10 years, 2 years in the Department of Treasury, and 6 years in the U.S. Army with several international deployments for communications and intelligence issues.
CAREER AND EXPERIENCE
William Acosta, a veteran international investigator, coordinated multijurisdictional investigations on drug trafficking, money laundering, and homicides in the United States and other countries.
Acosta's martial arts training in taekwondo reached the 6th dan, practicing traditionally as a lifestyle and not just for fighting.
The transition from policing to private investigation allowed Acosta to make his own rules and choose clients after more than 20 years in the profession.
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