The United States intends to expand the military offensive against groups linked to drug trafficking in Latin America to land operations. The plan was announced by the American Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, during a trip to Panama, where representatives from different countries participate in cooperation actions in the area of ??security.
US plans ground attacks against drug traffickers in Latin America
The United States intends to expand the military offensive against groups linked to drug trafficking in Latin America to land operations. The plan was announced by the American Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, during a trip to Panama,...
The proposal represents a new stage in the strategy adopted by President Donald Trump's government against organizations classified by Washington as terrorists. Since September 2025, American forces have carried out attacks against vessels suspected of transporting drugs in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean.
- According to data released by AFP, these operations left at least 215 dead.
- Now, the Pentagon wants to apply a military capability similar to that used against so-called narcolanchas on land.
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The proposal represents a new stage in the strategy adopted by President Donald Trump's government against organizations classified by Washington as terrorists. Since September 2025, American forces have carried out attacks against vessels suspected of transporting drugs in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean. According to data released by AFP, these operations left at least 215 dead.
Now, the Pentagon wants to apply a military capability similar to that used against so-called narcolanchas on land. Colombia and Ecuador were mentioned by Hegseth among the countries with which the United States works to develop this type of action.
“It will be the same effect on land, and that is why we are working with Ecuador, Colombia, with partners to take the fight to DTOs on land,” said Hegseth, in reference to organizations designated as terrorist.
Colombia discusses joint operations with the US
The possibility of military actions on Colombian soil was also discussed this week during a meeting of the Anti-Cartel Coalition of the Americas, in Panama.
According to Hegseth, Colombia's new government authorized discussions on joint military operations against armed groups considered terrorists by the United States. Among the possible targets are the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissent from the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
The American government also announced its intention to allocate US$1 billion in security assistance to Colombia. The country became part of the regional initiative led by the United States to reinforce the fight against drug trafficking and criminal organizations.
Hegseth stated that groups classified as terrorist organizations could be considered legitimate targets when there is cooperation with the governments of the countries where they operate. The secretary compared these organizations to groups such as the Islamic State and Al Qaeda.
Coalition brings together 19 countries
Land operations are part of discussions by the Anti-Cartel Coalition of the Americas, an alliance that brings together 19 countries under the leadership of the United States. Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras and Peru are among the members. Brazil and Mexico are not part of the group.
Although the strategy is initially being built with partner countries, Hegseth indicated that Washington is considering taking action against organizations that pose a threat to the United States or its allies wherever they are.
“Wherever they traffic drugs or threaten the American people or our partners, these organizations are a target, just like the Islamic State or Al Qaeda,” he declared.
American attacks are the target of questions
The expansion of operations occurs while attacks carried out by the United States against suspected trafficking vessels are the target of legal challenges and human rights organizations.
Critics argue that the use of lethal force without a trial could amount to extrajudicial execution. The Trump administration, however, maintains that it is in armed conflict with organizations classified as narco-terrorists and defends the actions as part of the protection of American territory.
Hegseth rejected the possibility of dealing with suspects solely through the judicial system.
"We are not going to subject them to a judicial process, where we know they will be released. We are going to destroy these networks with all the capabilities of the American government," he said.
The announcement expands a policy that has gained strength since 2025, when Washington began directly employing the Armed Forces in operations against groups linked to drug trafficking in Latin America, in a change from the traditional model of support, training and provision of equipment to local security forces.
US announces joint military actions with Colombia
The cooperation comes after the new Colombian president, Abelardo de la Espriella, decided to join the country to the “Shield of the Americas”, an anti-drug coalition led by American president Donald Trump. The start date of the actions has not yet been announced.