US to Send More Troops to Expand Anti-Drug Trafficking Mission

The United States will deploy additional troops and aircraft overseas as part of an expanded mission targeting drug trafficking networks, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday during a visit to the Dominican Republic.

He described the move as the next phase of Washington’s campaign to disrupt narcotics supply chains that feed U.S. drug markets.

Hegseth said the U.S. plans to approach more governments about allowing U.S. military activity within their borders, adding that the Dominican Republic’s cooperation could serve as a regional template.

He called the deployments a coordinated effort against what he described as drug cartels operating with military-level capability.

• U.S. expands overseas military presence to target drug trafficking routes
• Human-rights groups warn military force could escalate regional tensions
• Washington pushes Caribbean governments to support anti-cartel operations

The remarks follow months of increased U.S. activity across the Caribbean, including air and maritime operations targeting suspected trafficking vessels. Those operations have included airstrikes that U.S. officials say were directed at drug-linked targets. The actions have resulted in dozens of deaths, according to previous statements from U.S. officials.

U.S. planners say the expanded military posture will involve a mix of troops, surveillance aircraft, and naval assets positioned along trafficking corridors. Officials argue the deployments will increase pressure on smuggling networks and restrict movement of cocaine and other illegal narcotics.

The strategy has drawn criticism from human-rights groups and some international governments, which say the use of military force risks civilian casualties and legal disputes. Analysts have also warned that expanded U.S. operations in the region could heighten tensions, especially in countries with political instability or limited institutional oversight.

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Hegseth defended the approach, saying the operations are necessary to disrupt drug routes before narcotics reach U.S. territory. He said the United States will continue building a coalition of partner governments willing to host or support military activity intended to target organised trafficking networks.