During a speech at the “Shield of the Americas” summit in Miami on March 7, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the establishment of a new international military coalition aimed at eradicating drug cartels in the Western Hemisphere.
Trump emphasized the need to dismantle the power of these criminal organizations, which he described as a significant threat to security and stability in the region. The coalition, named the “Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition,” reportedly includes participation from 17 countries across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
“We must break the power of the cartels and criminal groups. They are a threat to our stability, and we will respond with decisive force,” Trump stated during his address.
The White House indicated that coalition members are prepared to employ military capabilities and “decisive force” in their efforts against the cartels.
According to Trump, the coalition will focus on:
- Intelligence sharing among member nations;
- Coordination of military and law enforcement operations;
- Joint actions to identify and dismantle cartel infrastructure and drug trafficking routes.
Washington has also offered support to its allies, including U.S. military resources.
Officials in the U.S. administration noted that the coalition could expand, allowing other nations to join in the future. Notably, key regional players such as Mexico, Brazil, Canada, and Colombia have not yet signed on to the initiative.
To oversee this extensive project, Trump has appointed a special envoy for the “Shield of the Americas” initiative. Kristi Noem will be responsible for ensuring that diplomatic and military efforts work in concert.
President Trump has announced the formation of a military coalition to combat drug cartels in the Americas, involving 17 countries. The initiative includes intelligence sharing and coordinated military operations, with an emphasis on dismantling cartel infrastructure.