Guatemala Seeks U.S. Military Aid

Guatemala Requests U.S. Military Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking

Guatemala formally requested U.S. military cooperation for anti-drug trafficking operations on Thursday, January 22, 2026. This initiative, announced by Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, seeks U.S. assistance in equipment, training, and expert personnel, without involving U.S. military operations on Guatemalan soil. The request follows discussions between President Arévalo, Guatemalan Defense Minister Henry Sáenz, and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, confirming terms for expanded collaboration under existing bilateral agreements.

The cooperation aims to intensify a strategy initiated in 2024 to combat international drug cartels operating within Guatemala. These cartels, often with local assistance, traffic drugs and launder money, contributing to regional violence. Approximately 90% of cocaine entering the United States transits through Central America and Mexico.

This development aligns with a broader U.S. strategy to enhance military presence and cooperation across Latin America, as reported by The. While the U.S. Department of Defense affirmed its commitment to working with partners for homeland security, the Pentagon declined to comment on specific future operations. The Guatemalan government emphasized that no agreement authorizes foreign military operations within its national territory.