U.S. launches alliance with Dominican Republic and others to combat crime

The U.S. Army has initiated a new security alliance, the Western Hemisphere Joint Task Force, involving 18 countries from its Coalition Against Cartels in the Americas. This initiative marks a transition from the previous Operation Southern Shield, which focused on bombing suspected drug trafficking vessels.

The U.S. Army's Southern Command (Southcom), based in Miami, announced that the alliance seeks to enhance operational effectiveness against threats undermining regional security and impacting the United States and its allies. It also aims to strengthen responses to emergencies and humanitarian crises. General Francis Donovan, commander of Southcom, described the task force as the "enforcement arm" of Southcom for addressing threats across the hemisphere.

"This headquarters brings together tailored military capabilities and trusted alliances to increase total systemic friction, operational tempo, exert sustained pressure on criminal organizations, and strengthen the security of the United States and our partners," Donovan stated. The founding members include the U.S. and the countries that signed the Shield of the Americas alliance in March: Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. The Bahamas, Belize, Chile, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Peru have since joined, along with the president-elect of Colombia.

General Kevin Jarrard will lead the new task force. He previously led the State Department's response to the June earthquakes in Venezuela. Southcom indicated that the task force will serve as the "operational headquarters for mission execution throughout the region," integrating intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, operational planning, and multinational coordination. The goal is to increase pressure on illicit organizations operating throughout the hemisphere.

Operation Southern Shield, launched in September 2025 under the Donald Trump administration, involved aerial bombardments against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. It also aimed to increase pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. According to a count by the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), the U.S. has attacked over 60 vessels and caused 221 deaths through this operation.

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This headquarters brings together tailored military capabilities and trusted alliances to increase total systemic friction, operational tempo, exert sustained pressure on criminal organizations, and strengthen the security of the United States and our partners.