Guatemala Denies Allowing US Military Strikes Against Drug Cartels
The Guatemalan government has officially denied reports that it approved joint airstrikes with the United States to target drug traffickers on its territory. However, Guatemala acknowledged requesting Washington’s assistance in the fight against transnational cartels.
The denial follows a New York Times report citing anonymous sources claiming that Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo approved the strike plan during a phone call with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth last week.
The move was initially seen as a significant escalation in US President Donald Trump’s strategy against groups his administration labels as narco-terrorists in Latin America. Previously, the US launched a multinational anti-cartel alliance and conducted joint strikes against cocaine smugglers in Ecuador.
Sovereignty and Congressional Approval
In its official statement on Thursday (28 May), the Guatemalan government affirmed that no agreement permits foreign military operations on its national territory.
President Arevalo explained that the requested cooperation with Washington focuses on technical support, not physical military presence. He stressed that foreign military presence in Guatemala requires congressional authorisation.
“This partnership will involve access to equipment, training, and expert personnel to support operational planning at both strategic and tactical levels,” Arevalo said.
Key Smuggling Route
The cooperation request forms part of the anti-cartel alliance launched by Trump at last month’s Latin American leaders’ summit. Guatemala is a critical node in the global drug distribution chain.
According to US officials, around 90% of cocaine reaching the US market passes through Central America and Mexico. Smuggling occurs via various means, including trucks, planes, ships, and submarines, fuelling regional violence and money laundering in Guatemala.
Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesperson Joel Valdez declined to provide further details on future operational plans, citing operational security. “We will not speculate on upcoming operations,” he stated.