US military expands anti-drug campaign to land in Latin America

The United States is expanding its military campaign against drug trafficking from maritime strikes to land-based operations in Latin America. Following more than 60 attacks on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific that have reportedly killed hundreds of people since January 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the administration is seeking to conduct joint military operations on the soil of allied nations.

Hegseth stated during a military drill in Panama that Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras had agreed to allow these joint operations, following similar missions already launched with Ecuador. However, Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo denied reaching such an agreement, noting that deployments would require congressional approval. Colombia and Honduras have declined to comment.

The shift marks an escalation in the Trump administration’s regional security strategy, aimed at asserting dominance over the Western Hemisphere. While the administration views these actions as necessary to combat criminal groups, critics and rights groups have raised concerns regarding civilian casualties, the legality of the strikes, and the potential for a backlash against U.S. presence in the region.