Venezuela and the US: Trump says Washington's strike killed Tren de Aragua leader
On 13 June, Reuters reported on US PresidentTrump saying the US military carried out an operation that killed Hector Guerrero Flores, also known as Nino Guerrero, the leader of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua. Trump said the operation was conducted by the US Southern Command and carried out in coordination with Venezuelan authorities. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that Guerrero was killed during the operation earlier this week. Venezuelan officials said the operation involved fighting with criminal groups and was supported by intelligence sharing and advanced technology. Guerrero was one of the most wanted gang leaders in Latin America. He was accused of crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering. This operation was part of ongoing efforts by the United States and Venezuela to fight organised crime and weaken the activities of the Tren de Aragua criminal network.
(“Trump says US military carried out strike on leader of Tren de Aragua,” Reuters, 13 June 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/trump-says-us-military-carried-out-strike-leader-tren-de-aragua-2026-06-13/ 

Peru: Contested ballots could decide the presidential race
On 12 June, Reuters reported that Peru’s presidential election remains very close, and the final result may depend on disputed ballots. Conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori held a small lead over left-wing candidate Roberto Sanchez, with only a few thousand votes separating them. Election authorities are reviewing ballots from more than 1,600 polling stations, covering around 400,000 votes. These ballots were challenged because of mistakes in vote records or objections raised by political parties. Special election panels will review the disputed ballots and may hold public hearings before making their decisions. Officials said the review process could take several weeks, and the final result may not be announced until mid-July. Meanwhile, Sanchez’s party tried to cancel the results from about 2,400 polling stations. However, the requests were rejected because the necessary documents were not submitted on time. The disputed ballots are expected to play an important role in deciding who will become Peru’s next president.
(“What’s happening with the contested ballots in Peru’s election?” Reuters, 12 June 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/whats-happening-with-contested-ballots-perus-election-2026-06-12/ 

Brazil: Government launches subsidised motorcycle loan programme for delivery workers
On 12 June, Reuters reported that Brazil launched a new loan programme to help app-based delivery workers buy motorcycles. The programme aims to support delivery workers and encourage economic activity. Eligible workers can receive loans with lower interest rates than those usually available in the market. State-owned banks including Banco do Brasil and Caixa Economica Federal, will provide the loans while a government fund will help reduce financial risks. The programme is available to delivery workers who have worked on digital platforms for at least six months and completed a minimum number of deliveries. It also includes bicycle couriers, motorcycle delivery workers, and taxi drivers who have been formally employed for at least six months. The loans can be used to buy motorcycles produced in Brazil, including electric models. Borrowers will have a two-month period before they start repaying the loan and can repay it over up to four years. Officials said the programme could generate up to BRL 2.5 billion (about USD 494 million) in new loans. The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to support workers, improve access to credit, and promote economic growth.
(“Brazil unveils subsidized motorcycle credit program for app-based delivery drivers,” Reuters, 12 June 2026). https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/brazil-launches-subsidized-motorcycle-credit-program-app-based-delivery-drivers-2026-06-12/ 

Brazil: Fuel fraud investigation reveals links to criminal network
On 12 June, Reuters reported that Brazilian refineries supplied large amounts of naphtha, a petroleum product, to a company accused of being involved in a fuel fraud and money-laundering scheme. Investigators said the scheme was linked to the First Capital Command (PCC), Brazil’s largest criminal organisation. The PCC was recently designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the United States. Authorities believe the company Petrodansk diverted naphtha to fuel distributors and gas stations instead of using it for its declared industrial purpose. According to the report, a refinery partly owned by Petrobras supplied most of the naphtha shipments between 2023 and 2024. Investigators found that many shipments did not contain a chemical marker required by regulators to detect fuel fraud. The refinery said this was an operational mistake and that the issue has now been fixed. Authorities also alleged that Petrodansk used false documents and shell companies to hide fuel transactions. Although the refineries are not currently under investigation, experts warned that companies linked to criminal groups could face greater legal scrutiny in the future.
(“Brazil refiners fueled scheme linked to U.S.-designated terrorist group, source and documents show,” Reuters, 12 June 2026). https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/brazil-refiners-fueled-scheme-linked-us-designated-terrorist-group-source-2026-06-12/ 

Mexico: Families of missing persons march during World Cup opening to demand justice
On 12 June, Reuters reported that hundreds of families of missing persons marched in Mexico City as the 2026 FIFA World Cup began. The protesters used the international attention surrounding the tournament to highlight Mexico’s missing persons crisis which involves nearly 135,000 people. Families carried photographs of their missing relatives, held vigils and called on the government to take stronger action to find those who have disappeared. They argued that the government has spent large amounts of money on World Cup preparations while not doing enough to address the issue of missing persons. Many disappearances in Mexico are linked to organised crime and drug cartel violence. Protesters also criticised the slow pace of official investigations saying that many families have been forced to search for their loved ones without sufficient government support. The demonstrations highlighted ongoing human rights concerns in Mexico despite the celebrations surrounding the World Cup.
(“Families of Mexico’s disappeared march in the capital as World Cup kicks off,” Reuters, 12 June 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/families-mexicos-disappeared-march-capital-world-cup-kicks-off-2026-06-12/ 

Brazil Aviation: Embraer’s Eve targets 2028 certification for electric flying taxi
On 12 June, Reuters reported that Eve Air Mobility, an electric aircraft company owned by Embraer, aims to receive certification for its electric flying taxi by 2028. The company said it has enough financial resources to continue its operations until then and plans to spend its money carefully. Eve is developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft often called a “flying car” for short-distance travel within cities. Company officials said testing and development are progressing but they remain focused on controlling costs as they work towards certification and commercial operations. The company recently changed its certification target from 2027 to 2028. Industry experts said the delay is due to the need for proper infrastructure, regulations, and other systems required for flying taxi services. Despite the delay, Eve remains one of the leading companies in the growing urban air mobility industry and has already completed extensive testing of its prototype aircraft.
(“Embraer’s Eve vows to spend cautiously, eyes 2028 ‘flying car’ certification,” Reuters, 12 June 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/embraers-eve-vows-spend-cautiously-eyes-2028-flying-car-certification-2026-06-12/