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Colombia joins U.S. anti-drug coalition and authorizes joint military operations
During a meeting of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) in Panama, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that Colombia, under the new administration of President Abelardo de la Espriella, has authorized joint military operations with the United States to combat narcoterrorism. Colombia has also officially joined the A3C, becoming its 19th member.
As part of this strengthened security alliance, the U.S. Department of State plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia. Hegseth emphasized a shift toward more aggressive tactics, including potential terrestrial operations to complement existing maritime strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels. He also urged coalition members to reject the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC), arguing that U.S. actions in the region are lawful under international humanitarian law.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino highlighted that drug trafficking remains a primary threat to the stability of the Panama Canal and regional security. The coalition, also referred to as the Shield of the Americas, aims to coordinate military and security efforts across the hemisphere to dismantle criminal networks and protect strategic infrastructure.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Americas Counter Cartel Coalition · Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition · Coalition Against Cartels of the Americas · Colombia · Donald Trump · International Criminal Court · José Raúl Mulino · Panama · Pete Hegseth · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Operation Southern Spear has targeted more than 60 vessels and resulted in 221 deaths.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Americas Against Cartels Coalition (A3C) forum began in Panama City on Tuesday. 2001online.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The forum is occurring simultaneously with the Panamax 2026 exercise. 2001online.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Western Hemisphere Joint Task Force will serve as the enforcement arm of the Southern Command. 2001online.com · oem.com.mx
- [● 4 SOURCES] U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is scheduled to participate in the forum on Wednesday. 2001online.com · elineanoticias.com · noticiasdepanama.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] The United States plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia. wdez.com · oantagonista.com.br
- [● 19 SOURCES] Colombia is joining the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) as its 19th member. wdez.com · wixx.com · combonoticias.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · valor.globo.com · +6 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Hegseth urged coalition allies to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. wdez.com · wixx.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · valor.globo.com
- [● 12 SOURCES] Colombia has authorized joint military operations with the U.S. to combat narco-terrorism. combonoticias.com · wdez.com · wixx.com · valor.globo.com · oantagonista.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Hegseth invoked a revamped version of the Monroe Doctrine, calling it the 'Donroe Doctrine'. wdez.com · wixx.com · valor.globo.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] U.S. military strikes on suspected drug vessels since last September have killed over 200 people. wdez.com · wixx.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · valor.globo.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an investigation into possible extrajudicial executions during these operations. www.businessdaily.gr · www.in.gr