Story perspectives

Colombia Joins Counter-Cartel Coalition, Narco Traffic Falls 60%

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Colombia joined the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition and approved joint operations.
He said Operation Southern Spear cut Caribbean and Pacific narco-vessel traffic by 60 %.
A Pentagon report said $820 million costs, 66 vessels struck, 218 mariners killed and no civilian casualties “more likely than not” in 2025.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, inaugurated after a magnitude 7.4 quake, pledged a drug-war and sought a $1 billion security package.

1 of 1

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Colombia joined the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition and approved joint operations.
He said Operation Southern Spear cut Caribbean and Pacific narco-vessel traffic by 60 %.
A Pentagon report said $820 million costs, 66 vessels struck, 218 mariners killed and no civilian casualties “more likely than not” in 2025.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, inaugurated after a magnitude 7.4 quake, pledged a drug-war and sought a $1 billion security package.