U.S. Military Deploys Troops to Latin America for Training Amid Drug-Trafficking Efforts

<p>The U.S. military is deploying several hundred Army soldiers to Latin America for training and joint exercises with regional forces as part of an expanded campaign against drug-trafficking networks. This deployment involves soldiers from the Army's 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum, New York, with the first troops from a battalion of approximately 600 expected to deploy to Panama, according to a report by The New York Times.</p><p>A senior U.S. official confirmed that the troops are being forward-staged under U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which will determine their final deployment locations.</p><p>Initially, the troops will deploy to a new jungle training facility in Panama before training with local forces in Colombia and Honduras.</p><p>The troops may also support U.S. special operations personnel who are advising local militaries in operations against suspected drug traffickers. Additionally, several hundred soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division are expected to help staff a new Western Hemisphere military command based in Miami.</p><p>This deployment coincides with ongoing military operations targeting suspected drug traffickers across Latin America and the Caribbean. Since the campaign's inception over a year ago, U.S. forces have conducted numerous strikes, resulting in the deaths of more than 235 individuals.</p><p>Gen. Francis Donovan, commander of SOUTHCOM, indicated that the military is considering operations against trafficking networks on land, stating, "Do I see land strikes as options? Yes. We want all options at the table." He elaborated that potential actions could include strikes, arrests, or the takedown of safe houses, as well as increasing the use of cargo scanners at border checkpoints.</p><p>Donovan emphasized the goal of creating "total systemic friction" for the cartels. The Trump administration has pursued agreements with allied nations to potentially expand military operations against trafficking networks onto land in various Latin American countries. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth mentioned during a visit to Panama in August that Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras had agreed to allow the U.S. to conduct joint military operations against criminal groups within their borders, although Guatemala has denied reaching such an agreement.</p>