The United States plans to transfer part of its MQ-9 Reaper military drones currently deployed in Africa to the command responsible for South America and the Caribbean. The move is part of expanding the American military presence in the region, according to sources familiar with CNN.
There is not yet a definition of how many units will be relocated. One source stated that the transfer could involve the “majority” of the MQ-9s currently assigned to U.S. Africa Command.
The drones are used both for intelligence and surveillance operations as well as for precision strikes. According to CNN sources, the transfer precedes new anti-drug and counterterrorism actions planned by the U.S. in partnership with Latin American countries.
Ecuador appears among the possible destinations. The country already conducts joint operations with American forces against organizations designated as terrorists and, according to CNN, has agreed to loan three MQ-9A Reaper drones to monitor drug-trafficking routes and potentially carry out attacks.
Space at the Pentagon
The shift accompanies a reorientation of American military priorities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has placed the protection of U.S. territory and the Western Hemisphere as the Pentagon’s top priority in the National Defense Strategy released in January.
In August, Hegseth cited Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Colombia among the countries that have expanded military cooperation with Washington against groups the U.S. designates as “narcoterrorists”.
Colombia has also advanced in this approach. President Abelardo de la Espriella reached an agreement with Washington to receive three MQ-9A Reaper drones, according to a CNN report.
The move broadens an already growing presence. Last year, the United States sent MQ-9 drones, F-35 fighters, and at least one AC-130 aircraft to the Caribbean for operations against vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
The Pentagon did not comment on the transfer of the MQ-9s.
