Guatemala Approves Joint U.S. Strikes Against Drug Trafficking Groups

Guatemala has formally authorized U.S. military forces to conduct joint airstrikes and related operations against drug trafficking organizations within its borders, with the first strikes slated for as early as June 2026.

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The agreement extends a U.S. counter-drug strategy that began under the Trump administration and previously secured a similar pact with Ecuador earlier in 2026. Guatemala will be the second Latin American nation to host joint U.S. strikes, a step the Defense Department hopes will pressure Honduras and, ultimately, Mexico to accept comparable operations. The White House’s broader strategy, as described by sources, is to normalize an American military presence across Latin America to gain leverage over Mexico.

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President Bernardo Arévalo and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth negotiated the terms. The Guatemalan government issued a formal request for “cooperation in operations led by Guatemalan security forces against drug trafficking organizations.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly rejected any similar joint actions on Mexican soil. The U.S. Defense Department and the Trump-era counter-drug initiative drive the broader effort.

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• May 19 2026: Arévalo and Hegseth speak by phone to finalize the agreement.

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• May 28 2026: Deal reported publicly.

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• June 2026 (anticipated): Joint strikes commence.

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Guatemala will be the second country after Ecuador to host joint U.S. counter-drug strikes; the United States is simultaneously targeting two nations—Guatemala and Honduras—to increase leverage over Mexico.

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Guatemala’s office confirmed a letter requesting cooperation in operations led by its security forces. The White House’s broader strategy, as described by sources, is to normalize an American military presence across Latin America. President Sheinbaum of Mexico has staunchly rejected any comparable joint operations.

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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has staunchly rejected any joint counter-drug operations on Mexican soil.

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The agreement’s scope beyond airstrikes remains undisclosed, and details of additional military activities have not been provided.

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• "Guatemala has agreed to carry out joint strikes with the United States military inside its territory to target drug trafficking groups." — Unnamed source, source familiar with talks

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• "President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala agreed to both airstrikes and other military action in a call with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth." — Unnamed source, source familiar with talks

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• "Guatemala has formally requested “cooperation in operations led by Guatemalan security forces against drug trafficking organizations” in a letter to Mr. Hegseth." — Guatemalan government, official letter

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• "The White House’s broader strategy is to normalize an American military presence across Latin America to gain leverage over Mexico." — Unnamed source, source familiar with plans

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Joint operations are expected to begin in June 2026, while the Defense Department prepares to approach Honduras for a similar agreement.

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