Hegseth Says the U.S. and Colombia May Strike Armed Groups Together as Bogota Joins the Counter-Cartel Coalition

At an August 12, 2026 meeting of the U.S.-led Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition in Panama City, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed an agreement with Colombian Defense Minister Jorge Eduardo Mora bringing Colombia into the group. Hegseth said Colombia had authorized joint military operations to destroy terrorists and terror networks, and answered yes when asked whether he had discussed joint strikes against the National Liberation Army and remnants of the FARC. Designated terrorist organizations working with partnered governments, he said, will be legitimate targets of the United States government. He also urged coalition members to withdraw from the International Criminal Court.

The statement extends a campaign so far conducted at sea toward possible operations on the territory of a partner state, raising questions about the legal authority claimed, what notice Congress would receive, and the risk to civilians. Reuters reported more than 200 people have been killed since U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats began in September 2025.

Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella took office the week before, and the administration announced $1 billion in security assistance days earlier. No joint strike has been announced. Hegseth described the framework as a revamped Monroe Doctrine he calls the Donroe Doctrine.