US plans ground attacks against drug cartels in Latin America

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the United States' intention to launch ground attacks against drug cartels in Latin America, following an airstrike campaign targeting suspected drug-running vessels in international waters. This expanded offensive came after President Donald Trump initiated a bombing campaign against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific in September, resulting in at least 215 deaths, which have been criticized as extrajudicial killings.

Hegseth, speaking at the closing ceremony of the multinational Panamax 2026 military exercises in Panama City, stated that the US aims to collaborate with allied forces, as demonstrated in the Caribbean and Pacific strikes, to conduct similar operations on land. He mentioned working with Ecuador, Colombia, and other partners to target drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) on the ground.

The Counter Cartel Coalition, comprising right-wing governments such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, and Peru, is spearheading these efforts. While Mexico, with a left-leaning government, is not part of the alliance, it remains a hotspot for powerful drug cartels. Hegseth emphasized that any entity involved in drug trafficking or threatening American citizens or allies would be targeted, drawing parallels to organizations like ISIS or Al Qaeda.

Defending the airstrikes against suspected drug boats, Hegseth vowed to "close with and destroy these networks with every capability of the American government," underscoring the seriousness of the US commitment to combating drug cartels in the region.