With Chile among its members: US creates task force with 18 countries in America to fight organized crime

The United States has launched a joint operational force with 18 countries in America, including Chile, aimed at combating organized crime. The initiative, known as the Western Hemisphere Joint Operational Force, was announced this Tuesday by the U.S. Army. This coalition includes Chile and the other 17 members of the Americas Against Cartels Coalition, which was initially formed under the name Americas Shield during a meeting held on March 7 by former President Donald Trump in Miami, Florida. At that time, then-President-elect José Antonio Kast participated, and several nations signed the alliance, including Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. Later, Chile joined the coalition along with Bahamas, Belize, Guatemala, Jamaica, Peru, and the newly elected president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella. According to a statement issued by the U.S. Southern Command (Southcom), the purpose of this force is to enhance operational effectiveness against threats undermining regional security and affecting both the United States and its allies. It also aims to strengthen Southcom's capabilities to respond swiftly to humanitarian crises and emergencies throughout the region. The military authority noted that malicious actors threaten national security, destabilize the region, and exploit vulnerable populations. They emphasized that this operational force will allow for synchronizing military capabilities and exerting sustained pressure against networks threatening collective security across the entire hemisphere. The force will be led by Major General Kevin Jarard of the U.S. Marine Corps. It is expected to reinforce intelligence sharing, expand combined training, improve interoperability, support maritime interception efforts, develop partner capacities, and remain ready to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster response when needed. General Francis Donovan, commander of Southcom, stated that the Western Hemisphere Joint Operational Force is the operational arm of Southcom tasked with addressing threats across the hemisphere. He added that this command center combines tailored military capabilities and trusted alliances to increase systemic resilience and operational tempo, apply sustained pressure on criminal organizations, and bolster the security of the United States and our partners. This new initiative reflects a broader strategy by the U.S. government to address transnational organized crime through multilateral cooperation. It underscores the growing concern over the impact of such groups on regional stability and public safety. The formation of this force comes amid ongoing discussions about strengthening law enforcement collaboration and enhancing border security measures across the continent. As the coalition begins operations, the focus will likely shift towards practical implementation, including coordinated intelligence efforts and joint exercises. The success of this endeavor will depend on the ability of participating nations to align their resources and strategies effectively. The long-term implications of this force could influence future international security policies and cooperation frameworks in the Americas.