MEXICO, 17 August, 2026(Ghufran) — The United States has expanded its military campaign against drug-trafficking groups in Latin America, with the Trump administration seeking agreements that could allow U.S. forces to conduct joint operations on land in allied countries across the region.U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently announced that Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras had agreed to allow joint military operations against criminal groups on their territory, following Ecuador, which launched similar missions with U.S. forces in March. Guatemala, however, has denied reaching such an agreement.Speaking during a military exercise in Panama, Hegseth said the United States intends to extend its campaign against suspected drug-trafficking organizations from maritime operations to land.The move represents a significant expansion of Washington’s security strategy in Latin America and reflects the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen U.S. influence across the Western Hemisphere.

The U.S. military has operated in Latin America for decades, providing weapons, intelligence and training to regional governments fighting drug trafficking. However, the increased deployment of U.S. forces has raised concerns among critics over civilian casualties, national sovereignty and the potential for a backlash against Washington.According to critics, the growing military presence could deepen an already unequal relationship between the United States and Latin American countries. Regional experts have also warned that sustained U.S. combat operations alongside local forces would represent a major shift from previous security cooperation.Since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, his administration has adopted a more interventionist approach toward Latin America. Washington has designated several criminal organizations as foreign terrorist organizations and intensified operations targeting groups accused of drug trafficking.

The U.S. military has also conducted numerous strikes against boats allegedly transporting drugs in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The operations have resulted in more than 200 deaths, while questions have been raised about the evidence supporting the U.S. claims and the legality of the strikes.Experts say extending such operations to land could further intensify concerns over sovereignty and the presence of American troops in the region.The latest development signals a new phase in U.S. efforts to combat organized crime and drug trafficking in Latin America, while also testing Washington’s relations with governments and populations wary of expanded American military involvement.