Surge of guns and ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean, fueling conflict
Source: CBS News
November 22, 2024 / 6:00 AM EST
Authorities have seen a surge of guns and ammunition flowing from the United States to Latin America and the Caribbean, fueling conflict in regions already struggling with violence and unrest. Last week, U.S.-based airlines were struck by gunfire while flying over Haiti's airspace. While the origin of the firearms remains uncertain, Haiti has no domestic firearms manufacturing capacity, and aside from a small artisanal market, the majority of weapons fueling the violence are likely sourced from the U.S.
A new report from research organization Small Arms Survey reveals a staggering nearly 120% surge in firearm shipments seized en route from the U.S. to the Caribbean and Latin America since 2016.
"Available evidence indicates that traffickers in the U.S. are a major source of illicit weapons in the Caribbean and Latin America," said Matt Schroeder, senior researcher at Small Arms Survey and author of the report. "The illicit acquisition and use of firearms in the Caribbean and Latin America ranks among the most pressing security threats in the hemisphere."
Their analysis, based on previously unpublished border seizure data obtained through public records requests, highlights a growing problem. These figures represent only the weapons actually seized, leaving out the vast number of guns trafficked across the U.S. or uncovered through criminal investigations. While it's unclear if these increases reflect more thorough screening, a rise in trafficking or improved data collection, the trend unmistakably points to a consistent demand for illicit firearms.
Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/guns-ammunition-seized-us-latin-america-caribbean/
Link to Small Arms Survey REPORT - Trends in Trafficking: Comparing US-based Firearms Trafficking to the Caribbean and Latin America
= new reply since forum marked as read
