300 U.S. Soldiers Arrive in Colombia for Joint Anti-Drug Training Exercise
More than 300 U.S. troops landed in Colombia on October 27 to begin the Southern Vanguard drills aimed at counter-drug operations and related security tasks.
On Tuesday, over 300 U.S. service members arrived at Tolemaida, the largest Colombian military base, to start the Southern Vanguard training that will continue through November 11. Jointly organized by U.S. Southern Command and Colombia’s Ministry of Defense, the drills will cover drug interdiction, illicit mining, drone threats, cyber defense and aeromedical evacuation scenarios. The operation follows recent U.S. deployments in Panama and upcoming joint training with Honduras, reflecting President Donald Trump’s broader ‘Donroe doctrine’ of heightened military presence in Latin America.
Critics from the Pacto Histórico party claim the mission should obtain prior congressional authorization, citing a 2020 Council of State ruling, while right-wing senators praise the boost to security capabilities. No comment has been issued by President Abelardo de la Espriella.
Why it matters
The exercise deepens U.S.-Colombia security ties and revives debate over constitutional limits on foreign troop deployments.
In this story
