started · updated
Colombia authorizes joint U.S. military operations to combat narcoterrorism FAST-MOVING
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced in Panama that Colombia has authorized joint military operations with the United States to combat narcoterrorism. This development follows the inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who has pledged to aggressively target criminal organizations. Colombia will also officially join the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C), becoming its 19th member.
To support these security efforts, the U.S. Department of State has announced plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance to the Colombian government. Hegseth also used the forum to advocate for a revamped version of the Monroe Doctrine, which he termed the 'Donroe Doctrine,' and urged coalition allies to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), claiming the tribunal lacks legitimate jurisdiction over U.S. and partner military operations.
While the Trump administration views these actions as essential to regional security, critics and human rights organizations have raised concerns. Reports indicate that U.S. military strikes on suspected drug vessels since September 2025 have resulted in at least 221 deaths, with some experts characterizing these incidents as extrajudicial killings. In Colombia, opposition leaders have criticized the agreement, arguing it compromises national sovereignty.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Americas Counter Cartel Coalition · Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition · Coalition Against Cartels of the Americas · Colombia · Donald Trump · José Raúl Mulino · Panama · Pete Hegseth
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 7 SOURCES] The United States plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia. wdez.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es · www.elespectador.com · oantagonista.com.br · colombiareports.com · +2 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] Colombia is joining the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) as its 19th member. www.laopinioncoruna.es · wdez.com · wixx.com · wsau.com · combonoticias.com · +9 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Hegseth urged coalition allies to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. wdez.com · wixx.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · valor.globo.com · caretas.pe · +1 more
- [● 12 SOURCES] Colombia has authorized joint military operations with the U.S. to combat narco-terrorism. combonoticias.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es · wdez.com · wixx.com · www.elespectador.com · +7 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Hegseth invoked a revamped version of the Monroe Doctrine, calling it the 'Donroe Doctrine'. wdez.com · wixx.com · valor.globo.com
- [DISPUTED] 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 · www.zougla.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The agreement allows Washington to escalate its efforts against drug traffickers in Latin America. www.businessdaily.gr · www.in.gr · www.zougla.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Colombia has approved joint military operations with the United States to combat drug cartels. www.businessdaily.gr · www.in.gr · www.zougla.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Colombian President-elect Amelardo de la Espriella has pledged to eliminate criminal organizations profiting from drug trafficking. www.businessdaily.gr · www.in.gr · www.zougla.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] U.S. operations have resulted in at least 215 deaths in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. www.businessdaily.gr · www.in.gr · www.zougla.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Since last September, the U.S. has conducted dozens of attacks against vessels suspected of drug trafficking. www.businessdaily.gr · www.in.gr · www.zougla.gr