The United States is expanding its military involvement in Latin America’s fight against drug trafficking, with hundreds of personnel being sent to Panama, Colombia and Honduras. US forces are conducting joint exercises and providing support and advice to local units carrying out operations against drug groups. The cooperation is linked to the Shields of the Americas, a regional body created earlier this year that includes 19 Latin American countries. Washington is also seeking closer security and economic cooperation in the region, while aiming to counter China’s growing influence.

In Colombia, where President De la Espriella took office in August, the United States plans to deploy 600 military personnel and advanced equipment, including combat drones, according to the account. The expansion has drawn criticism and concern. Human rights organisations have warned about US attacks on alleged drug boats, which they say have killed more than 200 people since last year without the United States providing evidence that the vessels were involved in drug trafficking. Legal experts have questioned whether the attacks comply with international law, and rights groups fear that a larger US military presence could put civilians at risk. Opposition to a possible reopening of a US base in Ecuador has also been reported, with a majority voting against the plan in a referendum.