US Military Expands Land Operations in Latin America
US military shifts from maritime strikes to joint land operations with Colombia, Ecuador, and other partners in Latin America. Raises sovereignty and civilian casualty concerns. Guatemala denies access. Trump/Hegseth push for US combat troops on ground against cartels. CIA-linked drone strike off Ecuador adds to covert operations concerns, with a Shield AI V-BAT drone detected at site of suspected boat strike.
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Updated Aug 21, 2026