US President Donald Trump launched the 'Shield of the Americas' military coalition in Miami, gathering right-wing Latin American leaders to combat drug cartels. During the summit, Trump asserted that the Cuban regime is in its "last moments of life" and that Havana is seeking a deal with Washington, claiming he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are leading negotiations.
Key points
- The new alliance, officially the Coalition Against Cartels in America (CCCA), aims to use military power against criminal cartels.
- Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia were not invited to the summit, which was hosted at Trump's Doral golf resort.
- Trump mentioned that he proposed bombing cartel positions or sending US troops to Mexico in conversations with President Claudia Sheinbaum, which she rejected.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio was named to the 'Board of Peace' for managing Gaza and was mentioned regarding potential negotiations concerning Alex Saab in Venezuela.
Why it matters
The formation of this exclusive, ideologically aligned regional alliance signals a shift in US foreign policy priorities in Latin America, focusing on security and countering Chinese influence, while also highlighting ongoing tensions with Cuba and Venezuela.
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