Joint US–Latin American military and law‑enforcement campaigns targeting cartels and narco‑terror groups

The intensifying joint military and law enforcement campaigns between the United States and Latin American partners have entered an unprecedented phase, marked by expanded multinational coalitions, elevated political rhetoric, and a sharpened focus on the nexus of narco-trafficking and terrorism. Building on USSOUTHCOM-led operations in Ecuador and coordinated law enforcement actions across the hemisphere, recent developments underscore a growing consensus on the need for unified, multi-domain responses to dismantle deeply entrenched cartel and narco-terror networks.

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Intensified US–Latin American Campaigns: From Tactical Operations to Strategic Coalitions

Since early 2026, operations spearheaded by USSOUTHCOM alongside Ecuadorian and regional security forces have targeted narco-terror groups exploiting Ecuador’s geographic corridors. These intelligence-driven raids and special operations have disrupted cocaine transit routes, cartel logistics hubs, and paramilitary training camps, yielding significant arrests and seizures.

Key Developments:

• New Military Coalition Announced by Former President Trump
  Former President Donald Trump recently announced the formation of a new military coalition aimed at unifying Latin American armed forces under a coordinated command to intensify pressure on cartel networks. Trump emphasized that “the epicentre of cartel violence is Mexico,” and called for a robust regional military response to combat the “cancer” cartels represent. This coalition seeks to institutionalize joint operations, intelligence sharing, and sustained military engagement—signaling renewed U.S. political will to support hemispheric security efforts.

• USSOUTHCOM’s Continued Leadership in Ecuador and Beyond
  USSOUTHCOM has reinforced Ecuador’s strategic role as a cocaine transit hub by coordinating military and law enforcement operations across the Andean and coastal regions. These efforts have targeted narco-terror groups linked to South American cartels and paramilitary organizations, with dozens of high-value arrests and significant narcotics and weapons seizures reported in recent months.

• Expanded Multinational Law Enforcement Cooperation
  The inaugural Americas Counter Cartel Conference convened representatives from Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, and other nations to address emerging cartel tactics such as maritime smuggling, cryptocurrency laundering, and fuel theft. This forum resulted in agreements to enhance intelligence sharing and joint operations, reflecting recognition that cartel criminality transcends borders and sectors.

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High-Profile Prosecutorial and Political Actions Amplify the Campaign

The campaign against cartels has been matched by intensified legal and political efforts to frame narco-trafficking as a national and hemispheric security threat.

• Strategic Use of Terrorism and RICO Statutes
  Prosecutors have increasingly leveraged RICO and terrorism-related statutes to dismantle cartel hierarchies. Recent indictments include a Sinaloa Cartel leader charged with fentanyl trafficking and narco-terrorism in Chicago, and the alleged Tijuana cartel boss known as “The Frog,” charged similarly in California. These cases represent a paradigm shift, portraying cartels as hybrid criminal-terrorist entities warranting an integrated security response.

• Targeting Operational and Logistical Networks
  Efforts now extend beyond cartel leaders to include scouts, logisticians, and financial operatives. For example, a suspected cartel scout was arrested near Yuma, Arizona, highlighting the campaign’s comprehensive approach to disrupting supply chains and intelligence networks.

• Cross-Continental Judicial Cooperation
  Collaboration between European and Latin American law enforcement led to the dismantling of a major cocaine trafficking ring operating between the Netherlands, Belgium, and South America. The arrest of 16 individuals, including cartel leaders, underscores the global reach of cartel operations and the necessity of international partnerships.

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Operational Impact and Expanding Scope: Tackling Cartels’ Global Reach

Recent intelligence and law enforcement reporting reveal the evolving adaptability and scope of cartel operations.

• Kinahan Cartel Activity Highlights Transnational Threats
  New footage and investigations have spotlighted the Kinahan cartel’s persistence post-sanctions, notably involving an Australian cocaine pilot killed in a Brazil plane crash linked to the cartel. This incident illustrates the cartel’s extensive logistics network and international footprint, complicating enforcement efforts and emphasizing the need for cross-border coordination.

• Targeting Financial Flows: Cryptocurrency and Fuel Theft
  Beyond interdiction, campaigns increasingly pursue illicit financial flows crucial to cartel sustainability. Multinational investigations have intensified efforts against cryptocurrency laundering and fuel theft rings, which fund and enable cartel operations. Sanctions and enforcement actions aim to choke these revenue streams, complementing kinetic attacks on cartel infrastructure.

• Integrated Military–Law Enforcement Operations
  Operations like U.S. Homeland Security Investigations’ “Operation Crazy Train” against Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang exemplify the fusion of military precision with civilian investigative expertise. These coordinated efforts disrupt cartel leadership, operational logistics, and financial underpinnings simultaneously, reflecting an evolving operational paradigm.

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Strategic Implications and Outlook: Toward a Unified Hemispheric Security Framework

The combined military, law enforcement, and prosecutorial strategies reflect a comprehensive approach to combating the narco-terror threat.

• Renewed U.S. Administration Commitment
  The Biden administration has reaffirmed its dedication to countering cartel violence and narco-terrorism, designating multiple cartels and transnational gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. This facilitates enhanced legal tools, funding for partner capacity building, and intensified intelligence sharing.

• Deeper Integration and Capacity Building
  Operational success depends on seamless collaboration between military forces and civilian law enforcement across the region. Continued training, intelligence fusion, and judicial coordination aim to empower Latin American partners to conduct sustained independent operations.

• Addressing the Narco-Terror Nexus
  Recognizing cartels as hybrid criminal and terrorist entities necessitates innovative legal frameworks and operational strategies. Prosecuting cartel leaders under terrorism statutes signals a security mindset shift that aligns law enforcement with broader national security imperatives.

• Sustained Multinational Coordination Required
  Experts caution that cartel resilience demands ongoing, adaptive responses. The evolving threat environment requires sustained political will, intelligence sharing, and legal innovation to maintain momentum and outpace cartel adaptability.

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Current Status

The joint U.S.–Latin American campaigns represent a paradigm shift in hemispheric security cooperation, combining military, law enforcement, intelligence, and judicial efforts into a unified front against narco-terrorism. The recent announcement of a new military coalition, coupled with intensified operations across the Americas and Europe, demonstrates measurable progress in disrupting cartel command structures and logistical networks.

However, the complex transnational nature of cartel enterprises—exemplified by the Kinahan cartel’s global reach and sophisticated illicit finance schemes—necessitates continued vigilance and expanded multinational partnerships. The campaign’s success hinges on sustained, integrated efforts that transcend traditional law enforcement boundaries, embracing a whole-of-government and whole-of-region approach to secure peace and stability throughout the Western Hemisphere.