U.S. Intensifies Ground Assaults on Drug Traffickers in Latin America

The United States is gearing up for ground operations against drug traffickers in Latin America, as confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his visit to Panama. This new strategy builds on previous airstrikes targeting suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, which have already resulted in over 215 fatalities since the campaign's launch in September.

Hegseth emphasized that these operations will extend to any region where drug trafficking organizations operate, stating, "Wherever they traffic drugs or threaten the American people and our partners, those organizations are a target, just like ISIS or Al Qaeda." His remarks reflect a significant escalation in the U.S. anti-drug efforts, which are part of a broader coalition involving 19 nations.

In collaboration with partners such as Ecuador and Colombia, the U.S. aims to replicate the success of its maritime operations on land. Hegseth expressed a determination to dismantle these networks with full governmental resources, dismissing concerns over potential human rights violations associated with the lethal airstrikes.

Colombia's recent formal entry into the Coalition Against Cartels of the Americas (A3C) coincides with Hegseth's announcements, reinforcing the commitment to combat narcotrafficking and terrorism. The Colombian Ministry of Defense assured that international cooperation enhances national sovereignty in ensuring citizen safety. However, this agreement has raised controversies regarding foreign military presence.

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe defended U.S. assistance as a means of sovereignty recovery, recalling the Plan Colombia initiative that supported the fight against narcotrafficking. In contrast, current President Gustavo Petro raised concerns about foreign troops operating in Colombia without Senate approval, asserting that the country possesses the expertise to handle its own anti-narcotics challenges.

Source: www.clarin.com