"America is prepared to take on these threats and go on offence alone if necessary. However, it is our preference, and it is the goal of this conference, that in the interest of this neighbourhood, we all do it together with you."
"What we have learned after decades of effort is that there is not a criminal justice solution to the cartel."
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Latin American countries to intensify efforts against drug cartels, warning the Trump administration may act unilaterally if they refuse. The administration has justified military strikes and border buildups through the war on drugs, though the president acknowledged oil reserves as a primary objective. Despite billions in military aid over decades, cocaine production remains at record levels and drug prices at historic lows. The 2026 Americas Counter Cartel Conference in Miami included 16 countries but notably excluded Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil—major drug production and trafficking nations. White House adviser Stephen Miller argued military force is the only solution to cartels, rejecting criminal justice approaches.
#us-military-intervention #latin-american-drug-cartels #trump-administration-foreign-policy #regional-security-threats #geopolitical-strategy
Read at www.theguardian.com
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