US, Colombia Deepen Military Cooperation in Fight Against Drug Trafficking

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Panama City: Colombia has authorised joint military operations with the United States to fight drug traffickers and armed organisations, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday. The announcement marks a significant escalation of Washington's anti-cartel campaign in Latin America.

Speaking at a US-led counter-cartel conference in Panama, Hegseth stated that Colombia had asked Pentagon assistance in fighting narco-terrorism and had authorised cooperative operations to destroy terror networks. He also revealed negotiations about possible operations against groups like the National Liberation Army (ELN) and FARC remnants.

The action comes after the inauguration of conservative Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who has promised a stronger crackdown on drug trafficking and armed groups. The US has recently announced plans to offer approximately $1 billion in security support to Colombia.

Colombia has joined the US-led Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition, indicating deeper security collaboration between Bogotá and Washington as the US ramps up its war against drug trafficking in the area.