The US military has been conducting strikes against boats suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Latin America, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people. Now, the Trump administration is seeking to expand this campaign to land, with joint military operations against criminal groups in allied nations across the region.

Joint Operations

According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras have agreed to allow the US to carry out joint military operations against criminal groups on their soil. However, Guatemala has denied reaching such an agreement. Ecuador has already launched similar missions with the US, despite voters rejecting foreign military bases in a referendum.

The expansion of the US military campaign in Latin America marks a new phase in the Trump administration’s efforts to pressure governments in the region to align with its security priorities. The administration has designated 20 Latin American criminal groups as foreign terrorist organizations and has sent US forces into Venezuela to capture its president.

Concerns and Criticisms

Critics warn that the widening US military campaign risks civilian casualties and a backlash against the US that could outlast the Republican administration. Some experts question whether a more militarized approach will produce lasting security gains, and others warn that it may serve partly as a show of force.

The US military has operated in Latin America for generations, supplying allies with weapons, intelligence, and training to fight drug trafficking. However, the current approach is seen as more interventionist than in the past, with some observers warning that it could test the limits of national sovereignty and the presence of US troops in the region.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.