Guatemala requests US military cooperation against drug trafficking

Guatemala has formally requested military cooperation from the United States to bolster its efforts against drug trafficking. President Bernardo Arévalo confirmed that the request includes access to US equipment, training, and expert support to enhance Guatemalan operations. The cooperation will adhere to existing bilateral agreements and explicitly excludes any US military operations on Guatemalan soil. Discussions between Guatemala’s defense minister, Henry Sáenz, and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have clarified the terms of this collaboration. This move builds on a strategy initiated earlier in 2024 aimed at intensifying joint efforts against drug trafficking networks in the region. While Guatemala seeks to strengthen its capabilities, the government emphasized that no foreign military presence will be established within its territory. The Pentagon, under Hegseth’s leadership, has expressed commitment to working with trusted partners in the Western Hemisphere but declined to comment on specific future operations or operational security details. The request aligns with a broader US strategy to increase military cooperation across Latin America as part of efforts to combat drug cartels and narcotics trafficking. Reports indicate that the Pentagon is also pressing Honduras to accept joint military actions, while Mexico remains resistant to allowing US forces to operate on its soil, though it supports intelligence sharing and security cooperation. This dynamic reflects ongoing tensions in the region regarding sovereignty and the extent of US involvement in counter-narcotics operations. The US has previously taken unilateral military actions targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, a policy initiated under the Trump administration. These operations have sparked debate over their legality and effectiveness due to a lack of definitive evidence linking targeted vessels to drug trafficking. The current cooperation request from Guatemala signals a continued US focus on expanding its influence and operational reach in Latin America’s fight against drug-related violence and organized crime.