Central America

Following the Third World War, the always volatile countries of Central America were all affected by the great upheavals in power, many left in chaos, with others emerging unscathed or as the new leaders in the region.

A general overview of the countries in the region can be found in this article.

Mexico
After the successful coup by in-country communist/terrorist elements occurred, sponsored and supplied by the USSR, the Mexican government (always shaky at best) was overthrown by subversive elements from the military, and paramilitary organisation supported by Mercenary companies.

Since this time, since the defeat of Soviet forces in the Southern US states, the remaining Communist forces have either retreated to Cuba, or further south to Nicuragua, or have carved out encalves for themselves in Mexico, along with criminal elements, rogue military generals, or surviving politicians, making the country a hodge-podge of private kingdoms, independent townships or city-states, and other rag-tag assortments of humanity surviving on. The US is pushing in from the north, and is slowly converting people with the promises of better quality of living, in the form of restored public services, amenities, better healthcare, and protection from the rogue elements still roving the countryside. However, they are meeting support from mercenaries, many of whom have links to the Armament manufacturer 'Global Dynamics' as a corporate sponsor. GD have carved out a niche for themselves, by offering many of the same benefits, such as housing, medical care, education, safety,and other essential services in return for work and employment, and loyalty to their products. This has gained them a strong footing in country, and a large area of Mexico is rapidly becoming corporation controlled, installing GD as the legitimate government.

Belize
Having strong historical and political ties to the UK, Belize received assistance and support from both English Armed Forces. As such, it survived relatively intact and in a moderately undamaged state, suffering raiding attacks and circumstantial conflicts with neighbouring countries. As a remaining stable power in the local region, the government of Belize renders financial and humanitarian assistance to it's neighbouring countries, and provides a base for relief flights, and for mercenary missions hired to support ongoing support and relief efforts in neighbouring territories.

Guatemala
With it's previous political instabilities, and constant overthrows in the government, Guatemala was easily manipulated into chaos and anarchy by Soviet contacting already present terrorist groups in the country. Military officers abandoned their posts, or were assassinated, and then Cuban, and Soviet, forces moved into place. Recently, following the defeat of the same forces in the US war in the far north, the country has been left aimless, with the beginnings of a process of rebuilding taking place under the guidance of wealthy local individuals, aiming to give the country some form of economy and society again - but being opposed from within by groups of domestic anarchic terrorists, aiming to institute other forms of society or control, as opposed to the restoration of a traditional government, and a return to traditional ways of life. While aid is coming from other countries, it is sparse, and as such the future of Guatemala is currently in flux.

Costa Rica
With no military forces and only it's Police Guard forces, Costa Rica was at risk from it's violently consumed neighbours. However, as the country was geographically in no greater position than any other for the invasion of the USA, and was no threat, it was left untouched by Soviet Forces, and their USA counterparts, for the most part.

Since the end of hostilities, Costa Rica has followed the example of other countries, and has formed an agreement for basing with a mercenary company, and while not constitutionally maintaining an armed force beyond it's police guard, border security, and anti-narcotics forces, they host the White Knights mercenary company who are bound by their contract to act in defence of the country should it become necessary - but are subject to the governments' hospitality and constitution while in country, with the Police Guard providing security at their compound - and acting as insurance, should the White Knights attempt any overthrow of the constitutional government.

El Salvador
The Salvadoran Civil War came to an end in 1992, and the country has enjoyed peace since. During the Third World War, the country was allied to the USA, and provided a basing area for Special Forces, Marine units and Air Force squadrons attacking the rear areas of the Soviet advance and Cuban staging posts. As such, the country came under attack, and fought strongly to defend itself - but with it's small armed forces, was no real match. Following the end of hostilities, El Salvador was left mostly intact, and has served as a centre of aid for the surrounding countries, with refugees flooding in and overstressing the already hard-pressed government in the middle of rebuilding. The Red Cross has provided as much aid as possible, but the country has been forced to turn away many people, and is also faced with rising crime rates and civil unrest.

Honduras
Being an important US Ally, and providing basing to US Forces operating in Nicuragua since the early 1980's, which continued until the beginning of the Third World War, Honduras was attacked in force by Cuban Air and Naval forces supported by Soviet forces. Internal problems arose when Marxist-Leninist guerrillas also received covert support, and carried out bombing campaigns on key government locations and facilities, as well as internal communication and infrastructure essential to the country. This contributed to internal chaos, and resulted in a withdraw of surviving US forces, and the destruction of much of the Honduran forces.

Following the war, Honduras has struggled to pull itself back together. The government is in flux, between surviving military elements taking control, and the legitimate political parties taking control. Mercenaries from the Roughriders, Defence Command, and Thunderbolt Black have all been hired at various times by the government to take control, but the civil war is ongoing.

Nicuragua
Nicuragua was aubject to massive upheavals and violence throughout the 1980's, mainly due to the Sandinista rebels, who were supported by Soviet aid, and armaments, and opposed by the US-Backed and funded Contras. Following this, the 1990's were an era of (mostly) peace, after the democratic elections of 1990, and the reformations that followed. However, there were still many rebel elements in-country, and there was still a huge problem with Narcotics trafficking, that funded the rebels' activities. US Aid in both financial and military form was sent to deal with the problems, but was matched by Soviet aid and assistance, eventually resulting in a total coup, and the routing of US forces.

Following the war, and the defeat of Soviet-backed-and-lead forces in the Southern US states, Nicuragua has become a Soviet-held state, along with the local population. The borders have been heavily reinforced, and the military bought up to strength by the remaining Soviet forces and equipment. Currently Nicuragua is a non-belligerent, but defends it's borders closely, and provides support, aid, and assistance to neighbouring nations with aligned goals and beliefs as their own, while openly opposing other ideologies.

Panama
After the US Invasion of Panama, and the following period of economic growth, Panama was a focal point of WW3 due to the strategic importance of the Panam Canal to naval forces transiting from the Atlantic to Pacific oceans. This was especially important in the US operations against the Eastern coast of Russia, and likewise for Soviet operations against the East coast of the US, and in support of Cuba. As Panama did not have a standing military, the country was forced to rely on outside assistance. Soviet forces were already in place in Nicuaragua and Cuba, and thus could delay or destroy any US forces attempting to render assistance.

Consequently, the only viable assistance came from Carribbean and South American countries, who also received casualties and losses due to the invading Soviet/Nicuraguan forces, or to the forces of opposing countries, but they maintained control of the Canal throughout the war. Following the rout of Soviet forces in the USA, and the regrouping and rearmament of Nicuragua, Panama has lost territory, some of which now belongs to Nicuragua. The remaining country is under the control of the democratic government, and maintains a strong and progressive economy, with much revenue generated from the continuing operation of the Panama Canal.

The naval and riverine warfare specialising Mercenary company known as 'Poseidon' is also based in Panama, and has a permanent contract with the government for defence, to which a part of its' total forces are dedicated.