U.S. Defense Secretary Signs Joint Security Declaration at Americas Counter Cartel Conference

The U.S. Secretary of Defense attended the signing of a joint security declaration at the inaugural Americas Counter Cartel Conference on March 5, 2026. The event took place at U.S. Southern Command headquarters in Doral, Florida.

A national security strategy published by the White House in early December 2025 stated that interventions in the Western Hemisphere were back on the table. The document said the U.S. wants governments in the hemisphere to cooperate against narco-terrorists, cartels and other transnational criminal organizations. It also said the U.S. wants to ensure continued access to key strategic locations.

Monde reported that the U.S. conducted 63 strikes in the Caribbean and the Pacific against ships accused of transporting drugs since September 2, 2025. The same report stated that the strikes resulted in more than 200 deaths. Le Monde also reported that most Latin American countries have complied with U.S. demands, including through threats of sanctions or visa withdrawals.