Guatemala and U.S. to Launch Joint Military Strikes Against Drug Traffickers

Guatemala has agreed to collaborate with the United States in joint military strikes against drug trafficking groups within its territory, starting potentially as early as next month. The operation is part of the U.S. strategy to establish a military presence in Latin America and exert influence over Mexico.

Guatemala has struck a deal with the United States to undertake joint military actions aimed at combating drug trafficking groups within its borders, according to a report by the New York Times. The decision, reached after discussions between Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, highlights a growing partnership against narcotics.

The planned military strikes, which may begin as early as next month, form part of a broader U.S. strategy to establish a normalized military presence across Latin America. This move seeks to leverage pressure on Mexico, who has traditionally balked at allowing U.S. military operations on its soil, to bolster regional counter-drug efforts.

While the Pentagon has declined to comment on specific operations, spokesperson Joel Valdez emphasized ongoing collaboration under Secretary Hegseth’s leadership, focused on securing the Western Hemisphere. The initiative draws mixed reactions, with some regional players voicing openness to intelligence collaboration but resisting direct U.S. military intervention.