U.S. preparing to send military drones to South America

The Army of the Estados Unidos prepares to send MQ-9 Reaper military drones to the US Southern Command, responsible for American operations in South America. The information was disclosed based on sources familiar with the transfer planning.

The equipment is reportedly part of a larger movement of military resources into the region, as U.S. officials announce partnerships with South American countries for actions classified as “drug and counter-terrorism” operations.

It has not yet been announced how many drones will be transferred from Estados Unidos (US Africa Command) to South Command. One source said most of the equipment could be moved.

The MQ-9 Reaper drones are used for intelligence, surveillance missions and can also carry out precision attacks. The transfer comes amid U.S. plans to expand joint operations with partner countries in South America, including actions related to combating drug trafficking and groups deemed terrorist by the Estados Unidos government.

Operations in the region

In recent months, the Estados Unidos has already deployed military equipment to the Caribbean, including MQ-9 drones, F-35 fighter jets and AC-130 aircraft, in a campaign against alleged drug-trafficking boats. The move also comes after military cooperation agreements announced with countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala and Jamaica.

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U.S. officials say the partnerships aim to combat drug trafficking networks and organizations classified by the U.S. as security threats. In the case of Colombia, CNN reported that the Estados Unidos has reached an agreement for the loan of three MQ-9A Reaper drones for monitoring drug trafficking corridors and possible precision attacks.

Experts and officials cited by CNN have also raised doubts about the results of previous anti-trafficking operations, noting that the long-term impact of military actions on criminal networks is still unclear.