US Deploys 4,000 Troops to Latin America in Anti-Cartel Push

Bloomberg
Published 18 Aug, 2025 09:17 PM, IST


The Defense (Bloomberg) -- The Defense Department is sending more than 4,000 sailors and Marines to the seas around Latin America, a US official said, a show of strength after President Donald Trump signaled he’s willing to use military force against drug cartels.

The official, who asked not to be identified discussing details that haven’t been made public, said the expeditionary force was headed to the US Southern Command area of operations but declined to identify the exact destination. The deployment involves the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which include three amphibious vessels.

The ready group and expeditionary unit function jointly as a crisis response force and thus can move among combatant commands as needed.

CNN first reported the decision. The Navy had earlier announced the departure of the unit from Norfolk, Virginia for “a regularly scheduled deployment.” US Southern Command’s area of responsibility includes Central and South America and the surrounding waters, as well as the Caribbean.

More:
https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/us-deploys-4-000-troops-to-latin-america-in-anti-cartel-push-11755532069007.html