U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Wednesday that Colombia’s newly elected president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has requested U.S. assistance in combating narco-terrorism through joint military operations. The announcement came during a meeting of the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition in Panama City, where Hegseth emphasized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation against drug-related violence. Colombia, which has become the 19th member of the “Shield of the Americas” initiative, is set to collaborate with the U.S. in targeting criminal networks that operate across borders. De la Espriella, known as “El Tigre,” assumed the presidency last week after winning the November election. His administration has expressed support for the U.S.-led effort to disrupt drug trafficking and associated terrorist activities. According to Hegseth, the Colombian government has authorized joint military actions with the U.S. Department of War to eliminate narco-terrorist groups. This follows months of speculation about the potential alignment of Colombia with the Trump-era strategy aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations. The Shield of the Americas, originally launched in March 2024 under former President Donald Trump, brings together nations committed to countering drug cartels and related threats. At the time of its inception, Colombia was led by the leftist President Gustavo Petro, who was not invited to the initial summit. De la Espriella, a right-wing candidate, had pledged during his campaign to join the coalition, a promise he has since fulfilled. The Colombian Defense Ministry stated that participation in the coalition aligns with national priorities to enhance security and combat organized crime. In addition to Colombia’s involvement, Hegseth addressed broader concerns regarding sovereignty and international law. He called on participating nations to reject the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing U.S. military actions against suspected drug traffickers as lawful under international humanitarian principles. The Trump administration has been actively working to undermine the ICC, particularly in response to charges against U.S. personnel in Afghanistan and Israeli officials linked to the Gaza conflict. While the ICC has not yet commented on the legality of U.S. operations in the region, the debate continues among legal experts and human rights advocates. The Colombian government has maintained that its decision to join the coalition does not diminish its sovereignty. In an official statement, the Defense Ministry noted that while international cooperation will play a role in addressing security challenges, the country retains full authority over its domestic policies and enforcement mechanisms. It emphasized that any actions taken within the framework of the coalition will complement, not replace, Colombia’s existing strategies to protect its citizens and maintain territorial integrity. The new administration has also highlighted its intent to address the root causes of drug trafficking and organized crime. Officials have stressed the need to reduce the influence of groups like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN), and the Clan del Golfo, designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. These groups have long operated in Colombia’s rural regions, exploiting weak governance and economic disparity to sustain their activities. The government has outlined plans to increase police presence, improve infrastructure, and promote economic opportunities in affected areas. As the coalition moves forward, the focus will likely shift toward operational coordination and intelligence sharing. Hegseth’s remarks suggest that direct military interventions could be considered, though the specifics remain unclear. Meanwhile, the broader geopolitical implications of the U.S.-Colombian partnership continue to unfold, with implications for regional stability and the future of counter-narcotics efforts in Latin America.
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