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Hegseth says Colombia’s new president has requested US collaboration in anti-drug efforts
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Colombia's new government under President Abelardo de la Espriella has requested U.S. collaboration for joint military operations to combat narco-terrorism.
- Colombia will join the "Shield of the Americas" initiative as its 19th member, a coalition formed to fight drug cartels following a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump and Latin American countries.
- De la Espriella, nicknamed "El Tigre," recently took office and has expressed support for the U.S.-led anti-narcotics efforts, though his government has not yet officially commented on the announcement.
- Hegseth urged Latin American countries not to recognize the International Criminal Court (ICC), defending U.S. military strikes against suspected drug traffickers as legal under international humanitarian law.
- It remains unclear what actions, if any, the ICC has taken regarding U.S. operations in the region.
