Dismay as Hegseth urges Latin American allies to join ‘offense’ against cartels

Critics sceptical Pentagon chief’s plan for increased military force – amid rising US intervention – will stop drug gangs Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, has urged Latin American countries to adopt a more aggressive approach against drug cartels, warning that the Trump administration may otherwise act unilaterally in the region. Hegseth’s remarks come in a context of escalating US intervention in the region, both militarily and in elections, which culminated in the capture of Venezuel...

By Tiago Rogero South America correspondent

Trump administration doubles down on military action in Latin America

At inaugural 'Americas Counter Cartel Conference', Trump officials vowed continued military operations against cartels.

US urges Latin America to use military force against drug cartels

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warned Latin American countries that "business as usual will not stand," pledging US support to combat cartels, restore deterrence and "make the Americas great again."