The New York Times reports U.S. military buildup in Latin America, raising concerns that anti-drug operations could serve as a pretext for neo-colonial intervention.

The New York Times: Pentagon Dispatches Hundreds of U.S. Troops to Latin America, Expanding Military Presence Under Drug Enforcement Campaign

According to The New York Times, the Pentagon is deploying several hundred U.S. Army personnel to Latin America for joint military exercises. The report cites sources familiar with the matter.

As disclosed by the publication, the troop movement is linked to an expansion of the U.S. Department of Defense’s efforts to combat drug trafficking. The report states that 600 U.S. soldiers have already been sent to Panama, where they will conduct combat training in jungle environments. Subsequently, they will participate in exercises alongside military forces from Colombia and Honduras, and assist U.S. Special Operations Forces in raids targeting individuals suspected of involvement in drug smuggling.

The media outlet noted that the current deployment is temporary in nature but does not rule out the possibility of a permanent military presence in the region in the future.

Since autumn 2025, U.S. forces have conducted operations against vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean under a drug enforcement framework, under the operation codenamed “Southern Spear.”

Original: toutiao.com/article/1879078239395847/

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