Peru joins Escudo de las Américas security initiative

Peru has formally joined the Escudo de las Américas (Shield of the Americas), a regional security initiative promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump to coordinate efforts against drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations. Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori confirmed the decision following a meeting in Lima with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The initiative, which includes the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) coordinated through the U.S. Southern Command, involves military coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint operations. The coalition aims to address criminal groups that Rubio noted sometimes possess more financial resources and equipment than sovereign states.

In a separate address during an Armed Forces Day ceremony, President Fujimori emphasized her commitment to combating rising domestic crime, including extortion and contract killings. She stated that the government would take “strong decisions” to restore order and ensure there is “no territory with fear” in Peru.