The Trump administration intends to transfer MQ-9 Reaper drones to South America. This operation is planned to target drugs and terrorism on the continent.
Details of the Drone Deployment
Informed sources have announced that these drones, which will be transferred from Africa to the U.S. Southern Command, are primarily used for intelligence gathering and conducting precision strikes. The cost of each of these drones is about $56 million. The exact number of drones to be transferred from Africa is currently unclear, but one source has stated that "most" of them will be reassigned to South America.
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This action reflects the challenges faced by the U.S. military, as it is currently engaged in several regions. In Africa, concerns about terrorism, including threats from ISIS, remain. In the Middle East, questions have arisen regarding the supply of MQ-9 Reaper drones, especially following reports of the loss of at least 45 of these drones in the war with Iran.
New Strategies in South America
Since returning to the presidency, Trump has pursued an aggressive policy to increase U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. This approach is known as the "Danro Doctrine." For example, last September, the Trump administration began operations against drug boats near the continent, resulting in the deaths of at least 230 people. In January, U.S. special forces captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during an operation in Caracas.
Trump supporters view these actions as a strong affirmation of U.S. interests, while critics have condemned them as illegal and reckless.
The U.S. Department of Justice had previously prepared a legal report allowing the U.S. military to conduct lethal operations against drug traffickers and cartels, citing an imminent threat to Americans.
Recently, U.S. officials have sought to expand their operations by establishing security collaborations with various governments in Latin America. During an August visit to Panama, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked the countries of Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, and Jamaica for their cooperation in military operations against "drug terrorists."
Some of these operations have already been carried out. In March, the Pentagon announced that the U.S. had conducted "targeted operations" against "drug terrorism networks" in Ecuador in collaboration with the government of that country. Hegseth exaggeratedly stated at the time, "We are also bombing drug terrorists on the ground." However, a subsequent investigation revealed that the bombed location had no connection to drug trafficking and appeared to be a small dairy and livestock farm.
In recent weeks, the United States has also signed agreements with Colombia and Panama to send drones to these two countries, including for monitoring drug trafficking.
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Source: independent.co.uk
