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The United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, warned on Thursday that Washington is ready to launch a military offensive against drug cartels, even acting on its own, although he reiterated that the preference of the U.S. government is to do so in coordination with the countries in the region.
During the inaugural conference "Americas Against the Cartels," held at the headquarters of the U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) in Miami, Hegseth urged Latin American governments to intensify their actions against what he termed "narcoterrorists," as reported by EFE.
"The United States is prepared to address these threats and go on the offensive alone if necessary. However, we prefer to do so alongside you, with our neighbors and allies," the official affirmed.
Hegseth noted that the new strategy promoted by President Donald Trump —informally known as the renewed Monroe Doctrine or "Donroe"— includes the possibility of military attacks against drug trafficking organizations in Latin America.
The Secretary of Defense urged military and security representatives from various countries in the region to adopt an offensive strategy against drug trafficking networks.
"We have only just begun to work with you. We must do more to combat narcoterrorist groups in all areas and dismantle their networks in this hemisphere," he stated.
The conference took place just a few days after a joint military operation between the United States and Ecuador against organizations linked to drug trafficking, following a visit from the commander of Southern Command, Francis Donovan.
In addition, the Trump administration reported that since last September, it has bombed 44 vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the Pacific and the Caribbean as part of Operation "Southern Lance," actions that would have resulted in at least 150 deaths.
Donovan emphasized that Washington is seeking to act in coordination with the governments in the region, although he made it clear that the United States does not rule out acting unilaterally.
"We are your main partner to work alongside your nations to achieve shared goals, but when necessary, we will not hesitate to act," he warned.
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