The United States is extending its lethal anti-cartel campaign from sea to land across Latin America, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announcing that Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras have agreed to allow US forces to carry out joint military operations on their soil.
The announcement, made during a visit to Panama last week, marks a significant escalation of the Trump administration’s campaign to pressure governments across the region to align with its security priorities. Ecuador launched similar joint missions with the US in March, making it the first country to participate in the land-based operations.
From Boat Strikes to Ground Operations
Since late 2025, the US military has been bombing suspected drug-running boats off Latin America’s Caribbean and Pacific coasts under Operation Southern Spear, killing hundreds in what critics describe as extrajudicial strikes. Hegseth told reporters at a military drill in the Panamanian jungle that the new land operations would mirror the effectiveness of those sea-based attacks.
It will be ‘like you saw with the strikes on the drug boats. Same effect on land. And so we’re working with Ecuador. We’re working with Colombia.’ – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
In Colombia, where Trump-backed Abelardo de la Espriella took office this month, the new president raised the prospect of US forces joining strikes against armed groups including the National Liberation Army, or ELN, the country’s last major guerrilla group. Hegseth said de la Espriella had requested greater US military involvement.
Concerns Over Civilian Casualties
However, the expansion has drawn sharp warnings from security analysts and human rights groups. Critics argue that the widening US military campaign risks civilian casualties and a backlash against American presence in the region.
One analyst warned that US bombing of ELN camps could displace fighters into civilian populations rather than neutralize the threat. ‘The first thing the ELN are going to do? They’re going to dismantle all their camps and move into the villages and towns,’ the analyst said.
Guatemala has publicly denied reaching a formal agreement with Washington, despite Hegseth’s announcement. Honduras and Colombia did not respond to requests for comment on the defense secretary’s remarks.
Sources: Associated Press; Just Security; WLRN
discussion