# US MQ-9 Reaper drone redeployment to South America > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-mq-9-reaper-drone-redeployment-to-south-america > Updated: 2026-09-25T23:45:00.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 2. The United States military is preparing to redeploy a majority of its MQ-9 Reaper drones from US Africa Command (AFRICOM) to US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). This strategic shift aims to strengthen counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism operations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Ecuador has been identified as a potential operational hub due to its ongoing joint military efforts with the US against designated terrorist organizations. Additionally, Colombia has reportedly reached an agreement to receive three MQ-9A Reaper drones to monitor drug trafficking routes. While the move is intended to counter transnational criminal organizations, it has prompted monitoring by the Brazilian government due to concerns regarding national sovereignty and potential espionage. This redeployment coincides with efforts by the Trump administration to establish a new legal framework through the Department of Justice. This framework is intended to grant the president expanded authority to conduct military operations and authorize lethal strikes against targeted groups using streamlined legal procedures. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-25: United States to redeploy MQ-9 Reaper drones to South America The United States plans to redeploy MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa to South America to combat narcoterrorism and strengthen its military presence in the Western Hemisphere. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-to-redeploy-mq-9-reaper-drones-to-south-america ### 2026-09-18: US military to transfer MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa to South America The US is transferring most MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa to South America to enhance counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism operations, amid strategic shifts and regional sovereignty concerns in Brazil. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-shifts-mq-9-reaper-drones-to-south-america --- Cite as: US MQ-9 Reaper drone redeployment to South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-mq-9-reaper-drone-redeployment-to-south-america