Hegseth backs regional security push, welcomes Colombia to cartel coalition

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a visit to Panama to reaffirm Washington's commitment to a hemispheric security coalition aimed at countering drug trafficking and other transnational threats.

Speaking aboard the USS Gridley in Panama City on Thursday, Hegseth praised the crew for recent deployments and said the mission was to prevent "designated terrorist organizations, drug traffickers, and other violent gangs" from threatening the American people.

The visit coincided with the closing of PANAMAX 2026, an 11-day multinational exercise involving the US, Panama, and 17 other nations. The drills included maritime maneuvers, air operations, cyber defense, and special forces training, all focused on protecting the Panama Canal and improving joint response capabilities.

During a stop at Fort Sherman, Hegseth welcomed Colombia as the 19th member of the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition (ACCC). He called Colombia "an incredible partner," citing its large military and decades of training with the US, and expressed excitement about working with the new member.

Hegseth also issued a direct warning to Cuba, stating that "all options are on the table to include military options" as the Trump administration asserts what he called "American strategic prerogatives" in the region. He added that foreign influence in the hemisphere has been "pretty minimal."

At the closing ceremony in Veracruz, Panama's Defense Minister Frank Ábrego stressed that no country can face borderless threats alone. "Our greatest strength lies in our ability to act together," he said.

The exercises build on expanded US-Panama security cooperation, including joint training and a rotating US presence agreed during Hegseth's April 2025 visit.