US plans ground attacks against drug cartels in Latin America

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans for ground operations against Latin American drug cartels. This follows an airstrike campaign against suspected drug-running boats in international waters that began under the Trump administration in September 2022 and resulted in at least 215 deaths. Critics argue these operations constitute extrajudicial killings.

Hegseth revealed the initiative, which could extend to regions where drug gangs operate, during a visit to Panama for multinational military exercises involving over 20 nations. The US seeks to deploy forces alongside allies, mirroring the effectiveness of the previous sea-based strikes. Hegseth emphasized that any entity trafficking drugs or threatening Americans or partners will be targeted, likening them to terrorist organizations like ISIS or Al Qaeda.

He addressed the Counter Cartel Coalition, comprising right-wing governments such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, and Peru, excluding Mexico despite its significant cartels due to its left-leaning political climate. Hegseth vowed to eliminate these criminal networks using all resources at the Americans' disposal.