Colombia approves joint military operations with the US against drug cartels

Colombia has formally approved joint military operations with the United States to combat drug cartels, according to an announcement made by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Panama on August 12, 2026. The agreement allows Washington to escalate its anti-narcotics campaign within Colombian territory. This move comes as the U.S. continues to lead the 'Shield of America' alliance, which now includes approximately twenty nations across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Since September 2025, U.S. forces have engaged in numerous strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in at least 215 deaths. Human rights organizations, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, have questioned the legality of these actions, citing evidence of potential extrajudicial killings as the U.S. has not provided public proof of criminal involvement for the targeted vessels. U.S. officials stated that they aim to replicate these naval operational capabilities on the ground.

This policy shift aligns with the administration of newly elected Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office on August 7, 2026. While the U.S. pushes for expanded ground operations, the international community continues to scrutinize the humanitarian impact of these tactics.