Al Jazeera English: Increased US military role in Latin America carries risks for the region
In Latin America, the United States is increasing military activity within the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (ACCC), which includes the United States and 17 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. An opinion column by Al Jazeera English states that US forces are striking vessels suspected of drug trafficking, while US officials are deepening cooperation with the militaries of countries in the region.
The author writes that Venezuela is formally not part of the ACCC but has likely made its territory available for US operations. In the author's view, the coalition's activities are not limited to combating drugs: Donald Trump identified countering foreign influence outside the Western Hemisphere as one of its tasks.
New operational structure
On August 4, US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced the creation of the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere. According to the command, it is intended to synchronize US military operations with allies and partners, counter threats, strengthen regional security and respond rapidly to crises. As noted in the column, the structure will integrate the command and control of 18 ACCC participants.
In June, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the US military, together with the Venezuelan authorities, carried out an airstrike against Hector Guerrero Flores, whom he called the leader of the Tren de Aragua group, in Bolívar state. According to the author, the Venezuelan government later acknowledged that the two countries had conducted a joint operation.
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In late August and early September, the new task force attacked several vessels suspected of transporting drugs, killing at least two people. The author links this to the continuation of Operation Southern Spear and asserts that at least 220 people have been killed as part of it, while no investigation has been launched into whether all those killed were involved in drug trafficking.
Assessment of consequences
The column also mentions a statement by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who recently took office, allowed the United States to conduct military operations in the country to combat narco-terrorism. In the author's view, this may indicate Washington's desire to expand access to airspace, military bases and joint operations in the region.
The author believes that increased defense spending by ACCC member states could divert funds from education, healthcare, housing and social security. He also links a possible increase in US influence over the security policies of countries in the region to risks for sovereignty, transparency and democratic institutions. The views expressed in the publication are those of its author and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial position.
