With the recent revelation of the Pentagon’s “Operation Total Extermination” and President Trump’s threats against Cuba, it is becoming increasingly clear that the United States has its sights set on military action in Latin America. This is a concerning development that has the potential to destabilize the entire region and cause untold suffering for innocent civilians.
The Intercept recently reported on the Pentagon’s plans to increase military operations in Latin America, citing a document obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. The document, titled “U.S. Southern Command Strategy 2018-2024,” outlines a strategy for “countering threats posed by state and non-state actors” in the region. This includes targeting drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and “radical populism.”
While these may seem like legitimate concerns, the reality is that the United States has a long history of meddling in the affairs of Latin American countries. From supporting coups and dictatorships to implementing economic policies that benefit American corporations at the expense of local populations, the U.S. has a track record of causing harm in the region.
And now, with the revelation of “Operation Total Extermination,” it is clear that the U.S. is ramping up its military presence and operations in Latin America. This operation, which was launched in 2017, aims to “disrupt, degrade, and defeat transnational criminal organizations” in the region. But what does this really mean? It means increased surveillance, drone strikes, and potentially even boots on the ground in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico.
This is a dangerous and reckless approach that will only lead to more violence and instability in the region. The U.S. has a responsibility to address the root causes of these issues, rather than resorting to military force. And yet, with Trump’s threats against Cuba and his administration’s hardline stance on immigration, it is clear that the U.S. is not interested in finding real solutions.
The Intercept’s report also revealed that the Pentagon is planning to establish a new military base in Argentina, as well as increase military cooperation with Brazil and Colombia. This is a worrying development, as it signals a shift towards a more aggressive and militaristic approach in the region.
But it’s not just the Intercept’s report that is cause for concern. President Trump himself has made numerous threats against Cuba, including rolling back the Obama-era policy of normalization and imposing harsh sanctions. This is a dangerous move that will only serve to further isolate and harm the Cuban people.
It is clear that the U.S. is intent on flexing its military might in Latin America, despite the disastrous consequences this could have for the region. And with Trump’s unpredictable and impulsive nature, there is no telling what other military actions he may take in the future.
But we must not stand idly by and watch as the U.S. continues to wreak havoc in Latin America. We must raise our voices and demand that our government pursue peaceful and diplomatic solutions to the issues facing the region. We must also hold our leaders accountable for their actions and demand transparency and accountability when it comes to military operations in Latin America.
Furthermore, we must also recognize the role that U.S. policies and actions have played in creating the very problems that they now claim to be fighting against. The war on drugs, for example, has only served to perpetuate violence and instability in countries like Colombia and Mexico. And the U.S.’s support for authoritarian regimes has only contributed to the rise of “radical populism” in the region.
It is time for a new approach. Instead of military intervention, the U.S. should focus on addressing the root causes of these issues, such as poverty, inequality, and corruption. This means investing in education, healthcare, and economic development in the region, rather than pouring money into military operations.
In the face of “Operation Total Extermination” and Trump’s threats against Cuba, it is more important than ever for us to stand in solidarity with our Latin American neighbors. We must reject the U.S.’s militaristic approach and advocate for a more peaceful and cooperative relationship with our neighbors to the south.
The future of Latin America is at stake, and it is up to us to ensure that it is not marred by more U.S. military intervention and aggression. Let us work towards a future of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect between the U.S. and Latin America.
