Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured that Washington is ready to “go to war against the cartels” through a new regional coalition promoted by President Donald Trump, raising tension around the White House's security strategy.

The statement was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Trump, where Hegseth highlighted the Trump administration's progress on border issues and international operations.

Shield of the Americas excludes Mexico

During his speech, the official stated that the offensive will be carried out through the “Shield of the Americas.”

“We secure our southern border, we go to war against the cartels,” Hegseth declared during the meeting.

The alliance was presented by Trump last March in Miami and brings together countries such as Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama and the Dominican Republic to coordinate actions against drug trafficking and organized crime. Mexico is not part of this coalition.