Hegseth says Colombia’s new president has requested US collaboration in anti-drug efforts

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Colombia's new President Abelardo de la Espriella has requested U.S. collaboration in joint military operations to combat "narco-terrorism." This announcement was made during a meeting of the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition in Panama City. Colombia will also join the "Shield of the Americas" initiative, a U.S.-led effort to fight drug cartels. Hegseth also urged Latin American countries at the meeting to reject the International Criminal Court, citing U.S. military strikes against suspected drug traffickers as legal under international humanitarian law. The U.S. administration is campaigning against the ICC due to warrants against Israeli officials and investigations into U.S. personnel.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the International Criminal Court (ICC) might investigate US military actions in Latin America, including strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats. Speaking in Panama, Hegseth pledged to strengthen a regional military coalition targeting drug cartels, announcing Colombia as the 19th member. He urged coalition members to reject the ICC, which he accused of attempting a "lawless power grab." Rights groups, however, have decried US strikes as extrajudicial killings, with one report documenting at least 221 deaths since September 2025. Hegseth claimed the campaign has successfully reduced drug vessel movements. The US is also pursuing joint operations with Honduras, Guatemala, and Ecuador.