Pete Hegset: U.S. military forces may move from Europe to Western Hemisphere

Pete Hegset drug cartels military deployment Southern Spear Western Hemisphere

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegset announced that a portion of American military forces currently stationed in Europe could be redeployed to the Western Hemisphere. This potential shift is part of an effort to expand U.S. military presence and capacity in Central and South America through partnerships with countries including Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Panama.

The Pentagon is currently conducting a six-month review of military force deployments in Europe, aimed at shifting more conventional defense responsibilities to European allies. This review is expected to conclude in December.

This strategic shift coincides with intensified military operations against drug cartels in Latin America, such as Operation Southern Spear. Since September of last year, U.S. forces have reportedly carried out at least 70 attacks in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of at least 234 individuals designated as 'narco-terrorists.' Hegset characterized the campaign against these cartels as a 'war,' comparing the organizations to ISIS and Al Qaeda.

Entities

Donald Trump · Ecuador · NATO · Pentagon · Pete Hegset · SOUTHCOM · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 7 SOURCES] Some U.S. military forces could be transferred from Europe to the Western Hemisphere. sputnikportal.rs · www.sd.rs · insajder.net · fakti.bg · www.politika.rs · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The U.S. is conducting a 'war' against drug cartels, comparing them to ISIS and Al Qaeda. www.sd.rs · insajder.net · fakti.bg · www.politika.rs · sputnikportal.rs
[● 6 SOURCES] The Pentagon is conducting a six-month review of U.S. military force deployments in Europe. sputnikportal.rs · www.sd.rs · insajder.net · fakti.bg · www.politika.rs
[● 7 SOURCES] U.S. forces have carried out at least 70 attacks against drug cartels since September of last year. sputnikportal.rs · www.sd.rs · insajder.net · fakti.bg · www.politika.rs · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] At least 234 individuals designated as 'narco-terrorists' have been killed in these operations. sputnikportal.rs · www.sd.rs · insajder.net · fakti.bg · www.politika.rs
[● 7 SOURCES] U.S. military presence and capacity in Central and South America are being expanded with partners. sputnikportal.rs · www.sd.rs · insajder.net · fakti.bg · www.politika.rs · +1 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 50 U.S. military and police personnel participated in operations in Ecuador last week. www.sd.rs · insajder.net · www.politika.rs
[● 6 SOURCES] The European force deployment review is expected to be completed in December. sputnikportal.rs · www.sd.rs · insajder.net · fakti.bg · www.politika.rs