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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that Colombia’s newly sworn-in president has sought U.S. military assistance in combating drug trafficking organizations operating within the country. Speaking at a gathering of the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition in Panama, Hegseth detailed plans for expanded bilateral military cooperation focused on dismantling what he termed “narco-terrorism” networks.
Colombia will become the 19th nation to join the Shield of the Americas initiative, an anti-cartel framework that originated from a March summit convened by President Donald Trump with regional leaders. The coalition aims to strengthen coordinated enforcement efforts against major drug trafficking organizations across the Western Hemisphere. Colombia’s previous administration, led by former President Gustavo Petro, did not participate in the Trump-led summit.
Hegseth characterized the Colombian government’s request as a clear mandate for joint military operations designed to dismantle terrorist organizations and their operational infrastructure. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office last week and carries the nickname “El Tigre,” has signaled his willingness to align with U.S. strategic objectives, though his government has not yet officially responded to Hegseth’s announcement.
Hegseth also urged the roughly 20 nations assembled at the Panama meeting to withdraw recognition from the International Criminal Court, arguing that American military strikes against suspected drug traffickers comply with international humanitarian law. The Trump administration is actively working to undermine the ICC in response to arrest warrants issued against Israeli officials and investigations into U.S. personnel.
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