Andean Region

A full-scale trade war has erupted between Colombia and Ecuador, with both nations imposing reciprocal 50% tariffs. This conflict is the dominant economic disruption, overshadowing foreign investment in Ecuador's mining sector from firms like Lundin and Belorusneft.

• 1Ecuador permits mining on Galápagos Islands
• 1Colombia minister to propose reciprocal tariff of 50% on some Ecuadorean goods
• 1Exxon Mobil uses Guyana success for global marketing
• 1Ecuador hikes tariffs on Colombian imports to 50 percent starting March 1
• 1Colombia Bonds, Peso Fall as Leftist Cepeda Takes Dominant Lead

Peru's Congress removed President Jeri, creating a leadership vacuum. In Colombia, President Petro's diplomatic pivot is complete, marked by a surprisingly positive White House meeting with Donald Trump that reset a previously hostile relationship.

• 6Colombian President Petro and Donald Trump hold positive White House meeting
• 5Peru's Congress removes President Jeri over secret China meetings
• 3Iranian court sentences Nobel Peace laureate to prison
• 2Judge allows Argentine football chief to travel abroad
• 2Trump Announces $5 Billion Gaza Reconstruction Plan

Security is dominated by a catastrophic military plane crash in Bolivia that killed at least 15 people and scattered cash, triggering a chaotic recovery operation. In Colombia, President Petro claims he survived an assassination attempt, and a cartel suspended peace talks following the Trump-Petro meeting.

• 14Military plane carrying cash crashes in Bolivia, killing at least 15
• 4Se estrelló un avión que transportaba billetes en Bolivia: hay 20 muertos y los vecinos intentaron saquearlo
• 4Colombia's Petro says he survived assassination attempt
• 2American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 From Colombia Found With Bullet Holes In Miami
• 2Top Colombian cartel suspends talks as Trump-Petro pact upends peace negotiations

Society is grappling with severe natural disasters, primarily catastrophic flooding in Colombia that has caused dozens of deaths and displaced over 120,000 people. This crisis has sparked political controversy over the government's response.

• 1Catholic Church in Argentina calls for prayers for peace
• 1Video. Peru under state of emergency after El Niño floods hit Arequipa
• 1A fiery eruption from a mud volcano occurred in northwestern Colombia.
• 1Bolivia prepares to release first jaguar into the wild
• 1Remains of Colombian 'guerrilla priest' identified after 60 years