Comprehensive security plan against organised crime in Santa Cruz and Beni
The Bolivian Government announced a sustainable security plan in San Ignacio de Velasco, framed within the 'Safe Borders' strategy, with cooperation from the USA and Brazil.
Government deploys 'Safe Borders' strategy in San Ignacio de Velasco
The Minister of Government, Marco Antonio Oviedo, announced on Saturday in San Ignacio de Velasco the implementation of "a comprehensive and sustainable security plan" aimed at restoring peace in that region of the country, according to El Deber.
Oviedo arrived at the municipality accompanied by the Minister of Defence, Ernesto Justiniano. Both authorities explained that the measure is part of the 'Safe Borders' strategy, which has been in execution for some weeks.
"This plan must be accompanied by civil society, neighbourhood associations and union leaders, amongst others, because if not, we will not be able to defeat organised crime," Oviedo said.
The minister also indicated that the Government is working in coordination with international cooperation and that it is envisaged to have extraordinary resources available to carry out the planned actions.
In that context, Oviedo pointed out that there is joint work with US cooperation aimed at installing elite units in San Ignacio de Velasco and Santa Ana de Yacuma, in the department of Beni, with the objective of intervening in strategic points in the fight against drug trafficking and criminal organisations.
For his part, Justiniano affirmed that the population of San Ignacio de Velasco has the right to live in conditions of security and peace, and that the actions will be carried out in a coordinated manner between the Bolivian Police and the Armed Forces.
The Minister of Defence further advanced that it is envisaged to implement "mirror operations", referred to by Brazilians as "Ágata operations": joint exercises between the Armed Forces of Bolivia and Brazil to strengthen border control between both countries.
Source: El Deber