US SOUTHCOM launches 18‑nation Western Hemisphere Joint Force to combat organized crime

The U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) announced the activation of the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF‑WHEM), a new regional force that brings together 18 partner nations in Latin America and the Caribbean. The initiative, part of Southcom’s “Shield of the Americas” strategy, is intended to counter threats, strengthen regional security and enable rapid responses to crises throughout the Western Hemisphere.

General Francis L. Donovan said the force will “synchronize capabilities and apply sustained pressure against the networks that threaten collective security.” It will be led by Marine Division General Kevin Jarrard and will expand intelligence sharing, joint training, maritime interdiction and humanitarian assistance. JTF‑WHEM replaces the earlier Operation Launch the South and the Southern Spear task force, and comes as the newly elected Colombian president Abelardo de la Espriella prepares to take office.