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US military to transfer MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa to South America
The United States military is planning to transfer the majority of its MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa Command to US Southern Command. This redeployment is intended to bolster counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism operations in South America and the Caribbean, including potential joint military actions in Ecuador.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has designated the defense of the Western Hemisphere as a top Pentagon priority. In addition to the drone transfer, Washington has redirected approximately $52 million in military aid to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama to enhance regional security cooperation.
The move has raised concerns in Brazil, where the government fears the drones could be used for unauthorized surveillance and espionage, potentially infringing on national sovereignty. Meanwhile, discussions continue regarding the possibility of deploying some drones to the Middle East to compensate for assets lost during conflicts involving Iran.
Entities
Colombia · Daniel Noboa · Donald Trump · Ecuador · Ecuador · MQ-9 Reaper · MQ-9 Reaper · Pete Hegseth · United States · United States · United States Department of Defense
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 18 SOURCES] The transfer may involve the majority of MQ-9 drones currently operating under US Africa Command. www.dgabc.com.br · www.alagoas24horas.com.br · sarabic.ae · sputniknews.cn · www.elbalad.news · +13 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth identified the defense of US territory and the Western Hemisphere as the Pentagon's top priority. www.dgabc.com.br · tribunadepetropolis.com.br · www.elbalad.news · www.infomoney.com.br · www.mediafax.ro · +3 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Colombia has reached an agreement with the US to receive three MQ-9 Reaper drones to monitor drug trafficking routes. sarabic.ae · www.infomoney.com.br
- [● 19 SOURCES] The US military plans to transfer MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa to the US Southern Command. www.dgabc.com.br · www.sbctv.gr · www.alagoas24horas.com.br · www.it-boltwise.de · sarabic.ae · +13 more
- [● 18 SOURCES] Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential deployment of some drones to the Middle East due to resource losses in the conflict with Iran. www.dgabc.com.br · www.sbctv.gr · sarabic.ae · sputniknews.cn · www.elbalad.news · +13 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] The drone redeployment is intended to support upcoming counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism operations in South America. www.dgabc.com.br · www.sbctv.gr · www.alagoas24horas.com.br · www.it-boltwise.de · sarabic.ae · +13 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] The MQ-9 Reaper drones are used for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and precision strikes. www.alagoas24horas.com.br · www.infomoney.com.br · www.rionegro.com.ar · negarmag.com · www.dgabc.com.br · +13 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] The military operations may include actions in Ecuador. www.dgabc.com.br · www.sbctv.gr · www.alagoas24horas.com.br · www.it-boltwise.de · sarabic.ae · +13 more