https://thestandingarmy.com/2026-08-17https://thestandingarmy.com/share-home.svg https://thestandingarmy.com/news/battle-critical-minerals-amazon/2026-08-17https://thestandingarmy.com/share-battle-critical-minerals-amazon.svgThe New Battle for Critical Minerals in the AmazonCriminal organizations are adapting their networks to extract and trade high-value minerals in the Amazon, posing a threat to global supply chains and regional security. https://thestandingarmy.com/news/us-army-receives-first/2026-08-17https://thestandingarmy.com/share-us-army-receives-first.svgUS Army Receives First of New Lightweight Landing CraftThe US Army has received the first of its new lightweight landing craft, designed to improve speed and maneuverability. (Source: Zona Militar) https://thestandingarmy.com/news/operation-pulpo-dismantles-pacific/2026-08-17https://thestandingarmy.com/share-operation-pulpo-dismantles-pacific.svgOperation PULPO Dismantles Pacific Threat NetworksA combined effort between the US and Ecuadorian forces has disrupted criminal networks operating in the Eastern Pacific, targeting illicit offshore fuel supplies and high-tech command and control... https://thestandingarmy.com/news/argentina-defence-ministry-launches/2026-08-17https://thestandingarmy.com/share-argentina-defence-ministry-launches.svgArgentina's Defence Ministry Launches Tender for Heavy-Lift and Reconnaissance DronesThe Argentine defence ministry has opened a procurement process for four unmanned aerial vehicles - two reconnaissance drones and two heavy-cargo UAVs - marking the first time the ministry seeks a... https://thestandingarmy.com/news/ecuador-synthetic-drug-frontier-5dd8e2/2026-08-17https://thestandingarmy.com/share-ecuador-synthetic-drug-frontier-5dd8e2.svgEcuador's Synthetic Drug Frontier Raises Regional Security ConcernsEcuador has become a key transit point for synthetic drug shipments, posing new challenges for border security and international law enforcement cooperation. https://thestandingarmy.com/news/us-navy-destroyer-left-b49ac0/2026-08-17https://thestandingarmy.com/share-us-navy-destroyer-left-b49ac0.svgUS Navy Destroyer Left Without Power in South China SeaThe USS Benfold, a US Navy destroyer, suffered a critical failure in its generators while operating in the South China Sea, leaving it without power for four days. (Source: Zona Militar) https://thestandingarmy.com/news/brazil-faces-strategic-dilemma-9f6cbd/2026-08-17https://thestandingarmy.com/share-brazil-faces-strategic-dilemma-9f6cbd.svgBrazil Faces Strategic Dilemma with Second Batch of Tamandaré-Class FrigatesBrazil's decision to build a second batch of Tamandaré-class frigates poses a strategic dilemma, as it requires resources and predictability to maintain production. (Source: Zona Militar) https://thestandingarmy.com/news/chinese-money-laundering-networks-41cfd4/2026-08-17https://thestandingarmy.com/share-chinese-money-laundering-networks-41cfd4.svgChinese Money Laundering Networks Fuel Organized Crime Expansion in Latin America and the CaribbeanChinese money laundering networks have become a key financial engine for transnational organized crime in Latin America and the Caribbean, moving billions of dollars in illicit funds through informal... https://thestandingarmy.com/about/ https://thestandingarmy.com/sources-and-methods/ https://thestandingarmy.com/corrections/