The Latest Breaking News from Christopher Sabatini

Some fear US dispatch of three warships to patrol off South American coast may be part of a regime-change operation – but is it?

Irfaan Ali tells Guardian of ‘grave’ implications of move to elect officials in Essequibo, recognised as part of Guyana

In today’s newsletter: As the opposition accuse President Nicolás Maduro of rigging the vote, we examine the background to this and where it leaves a country already in crisis

Plan for transitional council to rule after prime minister’s resignation brings strong sense of deja vu

Recently discovered oil is transforming Guyana's fortunes. But neighbouring Venezuela has suddenly rekindled old claims of territorial ownership. Official Venezuelan maps now incorporate the disputed Essequibo region that covers two-thirds of Guyana, and Venezuelan oil companies have been ordered to start extraction. In a December 3 non-binding referendum, Venezuelan voters…

Guaidó lands in Miami after failed bid to attend summit hosted by leftwing president, with return to Venezuela looking unlikely

Joy and relief greeted the freed political detainees as they landed in the US but has Nicaragua’s autocratic ruler merely removed his biggest problem?

The storming of Brazil’s seat of power by a mob of supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro has put the spotlight on Brazil’s security forces, raising questions about their unpreparedness and incompetence, and perhaps even their complicity with protesters demanding the overturning of a democractic vote.

Luiz Inàcio Lula da Silva will likely oust the president. Even if he does, a turbulent time in office awaits, says Latin America expert Christopher Sabatini