US Floats Prospect of Joint Strikes on Colombian Armed Groups

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has raised the prospect of joint military operations with Colombia targeting armed groups, following Colombia's entry into a U.S.-led counter-narcotics coalition. Hegseth stated that Colombia has authorized "joint military operations to destroy terrorists and terror networks."

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Yes

When asked about discussions with his Colombian counterpart regarding joint strikes against groups like the National Liberation Army (ELN) and remnants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Hegseth confirmed, "Yes." He further clarified that "Designated terrorist organizations, with partnered governments, will be legitimate targets of the United States government," including Colombia.

This potential expansion of U.S. military engagement in Latin America comes as President Donald Trump's administration has intensified its focus on the region. Critics argue that U.S. military strikes, such as those launched last September against suspected drug boats which resulted in over 200 deaths, constitute war crimes. Hegseth, however, dismissed these criticisms and urged coalition allies to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, comparing drug traffickers to terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda or ISIS.

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Designated terrorist organizations, with partnered governments, will be legitimate targets of the United States government

Colombia's new Defense Minister, Jorge Eduardo Mora, expressed enthusiasm for the enhanced security partnership. "I think the time has arrived for the narco-terrorist cartels to confront the power and the capabilities of the entire hemisphere, led by the United States," Mora stated. The U.S. official indicated that the new security partnership is expected to exceed previous levels of cooperation.

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I think the time has arrived for the narco-terrorist cartels to confront the power and the capabilities of the entire hemisphere, led by the United States