U.S. Army Soldiers Deployed to Latin America for Anti-Drug Operations

The U.S. military is sending several hundred Army soldiers to Latin America to participate in training and joint exercises. This move is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration against drug-trafficking networks. The initiative involves soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, New York. About 600 soldiers are expected, with the first group deploying to Panama.

A senior U.S. official confirmed that these troops will be under the command of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Their eventual deployment locations will be determined by SOUTHCOM. Initially, the troops will train at a new jungle facility in Panama, then collaborate with local forces in Colombia and Honduras.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Francis L. Donovan testifies during a Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing.

These deployments may also support U.S. special operations personnel assisting local militaries in anti-drug raids. Furthermore, soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division are slated to staff a new Western Hemisphere command in Miami. The Pentagon’s operations targeting drug traffickers span Latin America and the Caribbean.

U.S. SOUTHCOM reported that the USS Fort Lauderdale and USS Billings have been directed to Venezuela for U.S. government relief operations. Since the campaign began, U.S. forces have executed numerous strikes, resulting in over 235 fatalities.

Gen. Francis Donovan, commander of SOUTHCOM, acknowledged the possibility of land strikes against trafficking networks. He indicated that military actions could include strikes, arrests, safe house raids, or routine cargo scanner inspections at checkpoints.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has revealed Operation Southern Spear, aimed at dismantling narco-terror networks in Latin America. The Trump administration seeks agreements with allied nations to allow a broader scope of military operations against trafficking networks within their territories.

During a visit to Panama, Secretary Hegseth announced that Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras had consented to joint operations. However, Guatemala later denied such an agreement.