WH plans to send MQ-9 reaper drones to South America as US military campaigns expand: Report
WASHINGTON, DC: The Trump administration is reportedly preparing for expanded US military operations in Latin America, with MQ-9 Reaper drones expected to be transferred from Africa to the US command overseeing South America, according to a report by CNN citing six sources familiar with the planning.
The move comes as the administration increases military cooperation with governments across the region and prepares for potential operations targeting extremism and the movement of psychedelic substances across borders. The planned transfer also reflects competing demands on US military resources across Africa, the Middle East and the Western Hemisphere.
MQ-9 Reaper drones expected to move from Africa to South America
Most of the MQ-9 Reaper drones currently operating under US Africa Command are expected to be reassigned to US Southern Command, according to the report, although the exact number remains unclear. The drones are primarily used for intelligence gathering and surveillance but can also conduct precision strikes.
Three sources told the outlet that the transfer is connected to anticipated operations in the region, including potential missions in Ecuador. Ecuador began conducting military operations with the United States earlier this year against groups designated by the US as extremist organizations.
The planned movement comes after the US military previously deployed MQ-9 drones, F-35 fighter jets and at least one AC-130 gunship to the Caribbean as part of operations targeting boats containing psychedelic substances. The Defense Department has conducted strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, with at least 230 people reported killed.
US officials have increasingly emphasized partnerships with Latin American governments. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica and Colombia during an August conference in Panama for cooperating with the United States in joint military operations against extremism.
US expands military security partnerships across Latin America
The shift of drones from Africa comes as US military officials continue to face security concerns on that continent, including activity by extremist organizations in the region. Some officials have expressed concern that moving MQ-9s away from Africa could make ongoing operations against extremist groups more difficult.
Another issue is the availability of the drones for operations elsewhere. One source said discussions remain underway over whether some of the aircraft could instead be sent to the Middle East, where the US military has lost MQ-9s during its war against Iran. Hegseth identified defense of the US homeland and the Western Hemisphere as the Pentagon’s top priority in the National Defense Strategy released in January.
The administration has also expanded military and security cooperation with Colombia and Panama. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently said the United States was seeking a “golden age” in its relationship with Colombia and described the two countries as natural strong allies and partners.
“When you’re conducting a joint operation in territorial waters, you have to reach an understanding as to how those operations are going to occur,” Rubio said. “And every one of these countries have their own laws, they have their own systems that they have to comply with. Some can be more aggressive than others.”
Colombia has also reached an agreement with the United States for three MQ-9A Reaper drones to be loaned for monitoring routes used to move psychedelic substances and potentially conducting precision strikes.
