By Our Correspondent

National News – Guatemala has agreed to collaborate with the United States on joint military operations targeting drug trafficking groups operating across the Central American nation.

The agreement reportedly followed discussions between Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on expanding security cooperation against organised crime networks.

According to reports, Guatemala requested support from Washington for operations led by local security forces against powerful drug cartels and trafficking organisations.

The proposed cooperation is expected to include military action aimed at dismantling cocaine-smuggling routes and weakening criminal groups linked to violence and money laundering in the region.

The development signals another major step in US President Donald Trump’s intensified campaign against Latin American drug cartels, which the administration has repeatedly labelled as “narco-terrorists.”

Since last year, the United States has expanded anti-drug operations across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, targeting suspected trafficking activities along key smuggling routes.

Security officials believe the partnership could strengthen efforts to combat organised crime in Guatemala, where international cartels and local gangs have continued to fuel instability and violence.

US authorities estimate that a large percentage of cocaine entering the United States passes through Central America and Mexico using boats, trucks, aircraft and submarines.

The report has already generated debate among analysts and human rights advocates, with concerns raised over the legality of foreign-backed military strikes and the possible impact on civilians during anti-drug operations.