US Expands Latin America Drug War From Boat Strikes To Land

The US military is preparing to take its anti drug campaign in Latin America from the sea to the ground after more than 200 people were killed in strikes on boats Washington accused of carrying drugs.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Colombia, Honduras and Ecuador have agreed to work with US forces against criminal groups. He also named Guatemala, but Guatemala’s government has denied making such an agreement.

The biggest new development is Colombia. Newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella has asked for US help in joint military operations against armed groups, including the ELN and former FARC fighters. Colombia has also joined the US led Shield of the Americas initiative as its 19th member. Washington has pledged about $1 billion in security aid to Colombia.

Hegseth said the US wants to use the same approach on land that it has used against suspected drug boats. “Anywhere you traffic drugs or you threaten the American people or our partners, you are a target,” he said.

The move has already sparked concern in Colombia. Critics say sending US forces into the country could raise serious questions over sovereignty. Under Colombia’s constitution, some forms of foreign military presence require approval from the Senate. The exact size and role of US forces in any joint mission have not yet been made public.

The boat campaign has also faced strong criticism. A recent Washington Office on Latin America report counted 67 boats hit in 63 attacks and 221 reported deaths. It said some people survived the initial attacks but were later killed or disappeared. Legal experts have questioned whether the strikes comply with US and international law.

Hegseth has also warned that the International Criminal Court could examine the boat strikes and urged Latin American countries to reject the court’s authority.

Mexico remains outside the new military push. President Claudia Sheinbaum has worked with Washington on drug trafficking but has resisted US military action against cartels inside Mexico.

Experts now warn that expanding the campaign on land could lead to civilian deaths and push armed groups deeper into towns and villages. It could also test how much control Latin American governments are willing to give the US in return for security support.