Andean Region in June 2026: the most important developments in security
In June 2026 the Andean Region's most prominent security story was Bolivia's blockade crisis. Early in the month the army was reported to be preparing to clear roads blocked by protesters, and police clashed with demonstrators at a road blockade on June 6. On June 20 President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency, which opened the way to using the military, and on June 21 the army was deployed to halt the protests. By month end the state of emergency was in force and the army was on the streets.
In Ecuador, President Daniel Noboa declared a new 60-day state of emergency on June 16 in 10 provinces and three municipalities, expanding security powers amid continuing violence linked to drug trafficking. Ecuador also bought seven AW139M helicopters. A fire at an Ecuadorian port on June 6 destroyed more than 30 boats, and a massacre of eight young people was reported in an Ecuadorian city. The brother of Ecuador's top drug lord was extradited to the United States.
In Colombia, Santiago Uribe, brother of former President Álvaro Uribe, was sentenced on June 4 to 28 years in prison for murder and paramilitary crimes. The country acquired nearly 4,000 aerial grenades designed to be dropped by drones. Reports assessed the security results of President Gustavo Petro's government as minimal, and the president-elect gave armed groups a one-month ultimatum. Security was also stepped up ahead of Colombia's World Cup match against DR Congo.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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