Kathmandu— United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has cautioned that the International Criminal Court (ICC) may investigate US military actions in Latin America, specifically strikes on vessels suspected of drug smuggling. Speaking in Panama, Hegseth vowed to continue a campaign against drug cartels and announced Colombia’s inclusion in a regional military coalition launched in March. The move comes as rights groups decry these operations as extrajudicial killings and the Trump administration seeks to distance itself from the ICC, claiming an unlawful assertion of jurisdiction.

Expanding Regional Coalition

Hegseth announced that Colombia, under newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella, has become the 19th member of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (ACCC), also known as “A Triple C”. He urged all coalition members to reject the ICC, framing it as part of a broader effort by his administration to challenge the tribunal’s authority. Honduras and Guatemala have reportedly invited US participation in joint operations against drug cartels, while Colombia has requested joint military actions to target terrorist networks.

Claims of Success and Reduced Trafficking

Hegseth asserted that the campaign is yielding positive results, citing significant reductions in narco-vessel movements. He reported a 65 percent reduction in the Western Caribbean, a 60 percent decrease in the Eastern Caribbean, and nearly a 50 percent drop in the Eastern Pacific. “We have knocked the narco-terrorists in the maritime domain on their heels,” he stated. These claims come despite reports of civilian casualties and potential violations of international law.

International Legal Concerns

The US campaign has drawn criticism from human rights experts and organizations, who point to a report documenting at least 221 deaths resulting from US strikes since September 2025. The Washington Office on Latin America described these killings as “murder under domestic law and extrajudicial killings under international human rights law”, raising concerns about the targeting of civilians including fishermen and victims of human smuggling. Amnesty International has also reported attacks and abuses against civilians in Ecuador during a joint operation with US forces.

Political Alignment in Latin America

The increasingly militaristic approach aligns with the recent election of right-wing leaders throughout Latin America, many backed by the Trump administration. These include presidents in Honduras, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Panama, all of whom have adopted hardline stances on security issues. Even Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez has signaled a move away from the ICC, echoing Washington’s skepticism towards the international tribunal.

To date, the ICC has not announced any investigations into US military actions in Latin America, but continues to monitor the situation as the coalition expands and operations intensify.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.