El Salvador |
A delay in a shipment of diesel from Venezuelan-owned ALBA Petroleum to El Salvador has resulted in a shortage of diesel fuel at many gas stations in El Salvador. ALBA-affiliated gas stations have been supplementing their supply through purchases from Guatemala and other companies in El Salvador, including Texaco, Esso (Exxon) and Puma. (April 2010)
A Brazilian army helicopter team rescued two hostages held in captivity by the FARC during the week of 28 March 2010. The rescues occurred in Villavicencio and an undisclosed location in Caqueta department.
At least 14 people were killed on 29 March 2010 in four separate incidents in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Police have not arrested anyone in any of the incidents.
Brazilian authorities are studying the possibility of teaming with the United States Southern Command to establish a drug trafficking monitoring center in Rio de Janeiro. The partnership would monitor the area between Key West, Florida, Rio de Janeiro, and Lisbon. (April 2010)
United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates plans to visit Brazil in mid April 2010. Gates will meet with high-ranking Brazilian officials to discuss tensions between Venezuela and Colombia, the U.S. Navy’s potential acquisition of 200 Embraer Super Tucano planes, and Brazil’s procurement of 36 supersonic fighter planes.
PDVSA announced 29 March 2010 that operations at the Cardon refinery will continue despite a recent fire. The damage, described as minimal, will be repaired in approximately two days.
The governor of Tamaulipas reported on 29 March 2010 that the various Municipal Preventative Police forces, which the municipalities currently manage, will merge into one unit that will fall under State control and provide services to 43 muncipalities in the state.
