Colombia captures a Tren de Aragua commander as Washington backs Taiwan's forum role
Colombian security forces captured Luis Saúl Pérez Nieto, whom Colombian authorities describe as a senior coordinator in Tren de Aragua's weapons and drug-trafficking networks, in an operation presented as part of closer US-Colombian cooperation. In the Pacific, the US State Department backed Taiwan's continued role in the Pacific Islands Forum before its Palau leaders' meeting, describing Taiwan as a longstanding development partner.
Geopolitics··Morning
Colombian forces arrest a gang figure
The US Southern Command said Colombian security forces captured Luis Saúl Pérez Nieto on Thursday. Colombian authorities described him as a senior figure coordinating weapons and drug-trafficking networks across the region for the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The command presented the arrest as a result of closer military cooperation between Colombia and the United States. Colombia's new government has welcomed joint operations with the US military on Colombian territory.[1]
Washington links the arrest to regional cooperation
Southern Command said it was working with partners to dismantle criminal networks, describing the operation in regional security terms. The Associated Press reported that Colombia's president, Abelardo de la Espriella, took office earlier in the month after promising to target drug traffickers with Washington's help. His government designated Medellín as the hub of a new regional anti-cartel alliance, according to the report.[1]
US supports Taiwan before the Palau meeting
In a separate Pacific development, the US State Department said it strongly supports Taiwan's continued participation in the Pacific Islands Forum. The statement came before the forum's 55th leaders' meeting in Palau, scheduled from 30 August to 4 September. Taiwan has participated as a development partner since 1993 under the name Taiwan/Republic of China. The forum has 18 member countries, three of which recognise Taiwan diplomatically.[2]
