# US-Argentina security cooperation and regional expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-argentina-security-cooperation-expansion > Updated: 2026-10-17T16:45:20.000Z. Sources: 58. Developments: 4. The United States is strengthening its security cooperation with Argentina by establishing a regional unit of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) in Buenos Aires. This initiative positions Argentina as a strategic base for deploying security programs throughout Latin America. A fund of US$13.35 million has been approved to combat narcotics and organized crime, with US$7.5 million designated for Argentina and US$5.85 million for regional initiatives. This broader regional security expansion includes the deployment of MQ-9 Reaper drones in Colombia and Ecuador to enhance surveillance and precision strike capabilities. The U.S. administration also plans to reallocate over US$52 million from Foreign Military Financing to support security efforts in Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Panama. In a significant escalation, the United States has begun deploying approximately 600 soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, New York, to Panama. These troops are initially arriving at a jungle training facility in Panama to conduct exercises and strengthen cooperation with regional forces. Following training, the deployment is expected to extend to Colombia and Honduras, where personnel will participate in the Southern Vanguard joint exercise in late October. Some soldiers may also provide support to U.S. Special Operations forces during raids against suspected drug traffickers. This mobilization is part of a broader strategy to increase military presence in the Western Hemisphere, which includes the establishment of a new operations command headquartered in Miami. While reports indicate the 600-soldier deployment is part of an expanded anti-drug strategy, the U.S. Embassy in Panama has denied these figures, stating that “only 120 soldiers are currently participating in a two-week training course.” Recent developments identify these movements as part of the ‘Shield of the Americas’ initiative, a program designed to combat organized crime and expand American influence in competition with China. ## Claims - The United States has begun deploying approximately 600 soldiers to Panama as part of an expanded anti-drug strategy in Latin America. (disputed by 24 sources) - The U.S. Embassy in Panama denied the report of 600 soldiers. (disputed) - The troops belong to the 10th Mountain Division based in Fort Drum, New York. (corroborated by 24 sources) - The deployment may extend to Colombia and Honduras. (corroborated by 22 sources) - A new command for operations in the Western Hemisphere will be based in Miami. (corroborated by 18 sources) - The New York Times reported the deployment based on anonymous military officials. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Soldiers will participate in the Southern Vanguard joint exercise in Colombia. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The operation includes the transfer of MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance drones to Colombia and Ecuador. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The deployment is exceptionally large for the region, comparable only to invasions or natural disasters. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The United States is expanding its security cooperation structure in Argentina. (corroborated by 2 sources) - A regional unit of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) has been created in Buenos Aires. (corroborated by 2 sources) - A fund of $13.35 million has been approved for anti-drug trafficking and organized crime programs in Argentina and Latin America. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-17: United States deploys troops and drones to Latin America The U.S. is deploying 600 military personnel and MQ-9 Reaper drones to Panama, Colombia, Honduras, and Ecuador to combat narcotics trafficking and bolster regional influence. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-deploys-troops-and-drones-to-latin-america ### 2026-10-14: United States deploys 600 soldiers to Latin America for anti-drug operations The U.S. is deploying approximately 600 soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division to Latin America, starting in Panama, to combat drug trafficking through joint exercises in Colombia and Honduras. 39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-deploys-hundreds-of-troops-to-latin-america-for-anti-drug-operations ### 2026-10-05: United States expands security cooperation and drone deployment in Latin America The U.S. is boosting anti-narcotics efforts in Latin America by establishing a regional INL unit in Argentina and deploying MQ-9 Reaper drones to Colombia and Ecuador. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-expands-security-and-anti-narcotics-structure-in-argentina ### 2026-09-21: Border infrastructure expansions launched in Argentina and North America New border infrastructure is being launched in Argentina and the US-Mexico border to optimize customs, security, and transit mobility for commercial and medical travelers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/border-infrastructure-expansions-launched-in-argentina-and-north-america --- Cite as: US-Argentina security cooperation and regional expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-argentina-security-cooperation-expansion