The human cost of war in the skies of the Middle East

The Ashaninka indigenous community, which recovered its territory on the Brazilian border with Peru three decades ago, now faces a growing threat. Gangs and drug trafficking groups invade their lands, using the Amazon rivers to move drugs. Leaders have reported violent episodes, including this month, and demand protection from the Brazilian government.

The invasion is part of the expansion of criminal routes in the Amazon, known as the Solimões River route. Experts point out that indigenous territories are key to stopping deforestation, but they also offer attractive hideouts for traffickers.

Blind spot in security

Jonatas Soares, mayor of Tabatinga and police officer, said:

“There is an institutional and intercultural blind spot in the public security services provided to indigenous peoples. The State formally recognizes their territories, but fails to translate that presence into continuous protection adapted to their specific needs.”

The Solimões route—from the border with Peru to Manaus—is largely controlled by the Red Command, according to retired colonel César Mello, an expert in Amazon security. Mello warns that indigenous communities are vulnerable due to their remote location, lack of supervision and cultural differences.

Resistance and complaints

The Ashaninka have refused to collaborate with traffickers. In the past, they rejected the construction of a clandestine landing strip. Francisco Piyãko, coordinator of the Organization of the Indigenous Peoples of the Juruá River, related:

“We have a long history of opposing any type of illegal activity.”

On July 6, a group of five armed men—Spanish speakers with machine guns—invaded Kampa territory, threatening families and searching for leaders. Piyãko filed a formal complaint and security forces were deployed. “They came looking for our leaders, with the intention of killing them,” he said.

Brazil’s Indigenous Peoples and Justice ministries did not respond to requests for comment. The Foreign Ministry reported that they will receive the Ashaninka leaders in Brasilia to evaluate joint actions with Peru.

In previous months, Judge Flávio Dino ordered the federal government to intensify work against organized crime in the Amazon. Piyãko stressed that confronting these groups is not the responsibility of the indigenous people, but of the State: “They allowed this to happen due to their absence, so they bear that responsibility.”

A strategic alliance

Ford and China’s Geely Auto announced an agreement to jointly manufacture low- or zero-emission vehicles at a Ford plant in Valencia, Spain. The alliance seeks to reactivate Ford’s offer in Europe and compete with Chinese manufacturers that dominate the global market.

If it receives regulatory approval, Ford will own two-thirds of the joint venture; Geely, also owner of Volvo and Polestar, will control the rest.

Planned vehicles

Both companies plan five models. Ford will continue production of the Kuga plug-in hybrid and will launch a new Bronco in 2028. Geely will build two electric trucks at the plant, the first also in 2028. In addition, they will develop a “multi-energy” crossover that will hit the market that same year.

“The joint venture addresses the new realities of the European market—intense global competition, relentless cost pressure and increasingly strict regulations,” said a statement from the two companies.

Context of the decision

Ford has lost ground in Europe: from selling more than a million vehicles a decade ago, last year it sold less than half a million. The Valencia plant has capacity for 500,000 cars annually, but its production fell below 100,000 in 2025.

The alliance reduces financial pressure by sharing costs. Ford and Geely already have history: Ford sold Volvo Cars to the Chinese company in 2010.

“This deal provides a roadmap for how traditional manufacturers can survive and thrive in Europe,” said Jessica Caldwell, director of analytics at Edmunds. “Ford gains scale and cost efficiencies; Geely a shortcut to avoid EU tariffs.”

Challenges in the US

Meanwhile, in the United States, Donald Trump’s administration has weakened fuel efficiency standards and eliminated tax credits for electric vehicles. This creates uncertainty, but also drives manufacturers like Ford to look for opportunities in Europe.

“Like GM, Ford has been reducing its dependence on Europe. Now, with Geely, it can have new products designed for that market without assuming the entire development cost,” said Sam Fiorani, vice president of AutoForecast Solutions.

Chinese automakers, with government subsidies, have gained ground in Asia, Latin America and parts of Europe. The alliance with Geely not only expands China’s presence in local European production, but also helps keep Ford workers on the assembly line.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Brent surpassed $100 a barrel, its highest level since May. The conflict threatens to close a second key trade route, following Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Military and economic escalation

The United States intensified its attacks against Iran for the twelfth consecutive night. President Donald Trump warned of “significant military punishment” if the Houthis persist. “If they do this again, the United States will hold Iran responsible,” he wrote on social media.

The price of Brent crude oil rose more than 6% on Thursday. Last week, the Houthis announced a blockade of Saudi-linked shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. 12% of world trade and a quarter of container traffic pass through this passage.

The rebels claimed to have hit the Encelia and Layla oil tankers, setting fires. No victims were reported. Lloyd’s List Intelligence said the attacks represent a “double blow” for Saudi oil shipments, which have already diverted millions of barrels via onshore pipeline.

UN Secretary General António Guterres warned that the region is being dragged into an increasingly widening circle of confrontation. “Diplomacy is the only way forward,” he told the Security Council.

Regional reactions

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi traveled to Tehran to sue for peace and vowed not to allow his territory to be used against Iran. An Arab diplomat, on condition of anonymity, noted that the Gulf states are pessimistic about an exit.

Iran maintains its “tit for tat” policy in the face of US attacks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded that Trump’s policy is “head for an eye.” Meanwhile, the Iranian Ministry of Health reported 55 deaths and 629 injuries since US bombing resumed on June 27.

Jordan intercepted three missiles and six drones. Kuwait reported a drone attack on its border with Iraq, without casualties. The war remains unpopular among Americans, reflected in a symbolic vote in the House of Representatives to stop it.