World · Latin America · 4 hrs ago
US to Send 600 Troops to Latin America for Anti-Drug Operations
The United States plans to send 600 troops to Latin America to support its campaign against drug trafficking.
The troops will first go to a training centre in Panama, then travel to Colombia and Honduras for joint exercises with local forces.
The plan is part of a wider regional security effort involving a US-led group of 19 countries.
US special forces will also advise Latin American units, and the United States is moving combat drones from Africa to the region.
The expansion follows US attacks on suspected drug-trafficking boats at sea, which have killed more than 200 people since 2025; US authorities have not publicly provided evidence that those targeted were traffickers.
Rights groups fear the military campaign could endanger civilians, while the US says it is working with regional governments.
The next steps are joint exercises and cooperation with forces in the countries where the troops are deployed.
The United States plans to deploy 600 troops to Latin America for anti-drug operations and joint exercises with regional forces.
The troops are expected to train in Panama before going to Colombia and Honduras.
US special forces will also provide support and advice to Latin American military units conducting operations against drug traffickers.
The deployment comes as Washington expands its military campaign against drug trafficking in the region.
Human rights groups have warned that the expanding campaign could put civilians at risk.
- Who
- The United States is sending 600 troops. They will work with forces in Latin America.
- What
- The troops will take part in joint exercises and support anti-drug operations.
- When
- The deployment is taking place around October 2026; the sources give no exact date.
- Where
- The troops are expected to train in Panama and then go to Colombia and Honduras.
- Why
- The United States says the deployment will strengthen its campaign against drug trafficking and support cooperation with regional forces.
US administration
Human rights groups and critics
Purpose of the deployment
US administration
The United States says cooperation with regional governments will increase pressure on drug-trafficking networks.
Human rights groups and critics
Human rights groups fear the growing military presence and expansion of operations could put civilians in danger.
Effectiveness and safeguards
US administration
The US presents the campaign as a way to combat drug trafficking.
Human rights groups and critics
Critics question the evidence behind accusations against people targeted in earlier strikes and whether killing traffickers will reduce drug flows.
The US began attacks on suspected drug boats at sea, according to NOS.
Washington formed a military coalition with 19 regional partners, according to L'Express.
A Pentagon office focused on fighting cartels in South America received $20 million in funding, according to L'Express.
The United States began sending hundreds of troops, initially to Panama, Colombia and Honduras, according to NOS.
- Troop deployment
- 600 US soldiers
- Initial destinations
- Panama, Colombia and Honduras
- Coalition
- 19 regional partners
- Pentagon office funding
- $20 million
- Naval strikes
- 71 strikes since autumn 2025; at least 239 people killed, according to L'Express
3 sources
What people are saying
I do not remember any deployment of US troops in the region on such a scale, except in exceptional circumstances such as invasions or natural disasters.
securing the region's resources
in order to deepen collaboration and maintain constant pressure against hemispheric threat networks