Dismay as Hegseth urges Latin American allies to join ‘offense’ against cartels
The Guardian World
by Tiago Rogero South America correspondentMarch 5, 2026
Critics sceptical Pentagon chief’s plan for increased military force – amid rising US intervention – will stop drug gangs
Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, has urged Latin American countries to adopt a more aggressive approach against drug cartels, warning that the Trump administration may otherwise act unilaterally in the region.
Hegseth’s remarks come in a context of escalating US intervention in the region, both militarily and in elections, which culminated in the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro – the first US ground military attack on a South American country.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 3/5/2026