Pentagon Expands Military Operations Against Drug Cartels Across South America
Source Summary
The Pentagon is expanding U.S. military operations against drug cartels across South America under Defense Secretary Hegseth. For over a year, U.S. forces have been destroying alleged drug boats on both coasts and have begun intercepting and destroying refueling vessels off Ecuador's coast. The military has also recently deployed special forces as part of the expanded campaign.
Why it matters
The expansion signals a significant escalation of direct U.S. military involvement in South American counternarcotics operations, affecting regional security and military cooperation.
