After killing hundreds in boat strikes, US military expands campaign on land in Latin America
Seattle times · 2026-08-17
The Trump administration is expanding its anti-drug campaign in Latin America, shifting from previously bombing boats accused of drug ferrying—which killed hundreds over the past year—to now establishing U.S. military presence on land. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras agreed to joint operations against criminal groups, following Ecuador's March missions. However, Guatemala has denied reaching such an agreement. Hegseth explicitly compared the terrestrial expansion to the effectiveness of the naval strikes.
This marks a new phase in Washington's push for "American dominance over the Western Hemisphere," leveraging an increase in Trump-aligned regional leaders. Critics, including Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue, warn this "asymmetrical relationship" risks civilian casualties and could provoke a lasting backlash against the U.S., framing it as an attempt to legitimize heightened U.S. military involvement rather than genuine cooperation. Experts also suggest deep U.S. military entanglement could eventually strain alliances as voters grapple with balancing security with national sovereignty.
*The full article also explores the potential long-term political ramifications for leaders who cede too much sovereignty and the tactical shifts criminal organizations might employ in response.*