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Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 05/08

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Latin America Monitor
Child drug traffickers: What can be done?

Between 5,000 and 14,000 children are recruited as soldiers in Colombia, writes a guest blogger, and the recruitment of minors by gangs is increasingly a problem across Latin America.
As sanctions ease on Myanmar, aid to refugees dries up (+video)

International donors are jumping at the chance to aid people inside Myanmar as sanctions ease. But refugees just outside the country are on the losing end.
Latin America Monitor
Is it the end of paramilitarism in Colombia?

The last of Colombia's paramilitary leaders were captured in Venezuela, marking the end for a group that dominated Colombia's drug trade, writes guest blogger Jeremy McDermott.
Latin America Monitor
Why Venezuela is key to quashing the FARC

Colombia is worried that FARC fighters are looking to acquire missiles in Venezuela, which would diminish Colombia's air-power advantage against the rebels.
Latin America Monitor
Venezuela nabs Colombian cartel leader Maximiliano Bonilla, a.k.a. 'Valenciano'

On the eve of a meeting of the Venezuelan and Colombian presidents, police seized Maximiliano Bonilla and plan to extradite him to the US, where there is a $5 million reward for his capture.
Latin America Monitor
Ahead of Colombia's elections, violence stalks candidates

Forty-one candidates have been killed in the run-up to Colombia's elections on Sunday, highlighting the security issues that continue to undermine democracy in the country.
Latin America Monitor
Colombia's new security push

President Juan Manuel Santos announced a strategic shift in Colombia's struggle against guerrilla rebels and narco-paramilitaries, in part via improved cooperation between government agencies.
Latin America Monitor
Colombia's criminal networks consolidate around two forces

Two major criminal networks have been extending their reach throughout Colombia. In Mexico. pressure from security forces has had the opposite effect, causing the criminal underworld to fragment.
Latin America Monitor
Is Ecuador becoming the 'UN of crime'?

The arrest of a suspected Russian mafioso in Ecuador highlights the increasing presence in the country of international organized crime, says guest blogger Elyssa Pachico.
Latin America Monitor
ELN rebel group makes a comeback in Colombia

Colombia's ELN rebel group, often forgotten, is on the rise thanks to a belated involvement in the drug trade and alliances with both the FARC and new narco-paramilitary groups.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 05/08
Colombia and Venezuela spar over FARC rebel charges

Venezuela recalled its ambassador after the outgoing Colombian government charged that its neighbor harbors FARC rebels. The charges could short-circuit a potential thaw in ties as president-elect Santos prepares to take office.
Colombia election: Juan Manual Santos win is a victory for tough security

Former defense minister Juan Manual Santos wins Colombia's elections Sunday, The new president promises to continue hard-line security policies against leftist rebels.
Venezuela vs. Colombia: Two leaders seek outside mediation

After bridge explosions, Venezuela's Hugo Chávez and Colombia's Alvaro Uribe agree on one thing: current conflict won't be resolved without outside mediation.
Terrorism & Security
Colombia: Uribe sees corruption in attack that freed rebel

Gustavo Anibal Giraldo, a Colombia ELN rebel leader who escaped prison guards Wednesday, is wanted for the murders of eight soldiers, a Catholic bishop, and the kidnapping of three Americans. Was there insider help?
Burma (Myanmar) presses rebels in bid to eliminate armed opposition

The offensive is pushing thousands of refugees into Thailand. It appears to be a rebuke to Burma's neighbor, which has criticized the junta for its trial of democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi.
FARC extortion rackets in Venezuela, say locals

In border states, Venezuelans say Colombian rebel groups extort monthly 'protection' money from businesses and ranchers.
New push to free Ingrid from FARC rebels

A French humanitarian mission arrived in Colombia on Thursday to help free high-level hostage Ingrid Betancourt.
Venezuelan FARC victims to Chávez: 'What about us?'

Many families of those kidnapped near the border with Colombia say President Hugo Chávez has neglected them in favor of high-profile Colombian victims.
Global flash points: How to spot signs of peace

Monitor correspondents and experts suggest what to watch for in eight international conflicts.