US defence chief urges Latin American allies to join offensive against cartels
Mar 6th 2026
At a Miami conference, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth urged Latin American nations to join an offensive against drug cartels and warned Washington may act unilaterally if partners do not cooperate, prompting criticism that a military-only approach could worsen violence without solving trafficking.
- Pete Hegseth told defence leaders in Miami the US is prepared to act alone if regional partners do not adopt a more aggressive, military-led approach to cartels.
- Sixteen countries attended the 2026 Americas Counter Cartel Conference, while Colombia, Mexico and Brazil were notably absent.
- Senior White House adviser Stephen Miller argued the cartel problem requires military force rather than a criminal justice response.
- Security experts warned a military-only strategy risks increased violence and will not dismantle complex transnational trafficking networks.
- The US and Ecuador announced new joint operations against drug trafficking amid a broader rise in US military activity and rhetoric in the region.