Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on Latin American military leaders in Panama to intensify cooperation with U.S. forces to combat cartels. His remarks, made during a regional summit, emphasized a willingness to take aggressive action against transnational criminal networks. Hegseth stated the coalition would do 'bad things to bad people,' signaling a shift toward more direct intervention strategies.

The meeting aimed to strengthen intelligence sharing and joint operations across the region. Analysts note the rhetoric reflects growing U.S. urgency to address cartel-related violence and drug trafficking. The coalition's expanded role could reshape security dynamics in Latin America, blending military and diplomatic efforts.

Key questions remain about the legal and ethical boundaries of such operations.