General Francis L. Donovan, the head of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), made a significant trip to Iquitos, Peru on Wednesday. The visit aimed to bolster military collaboration against narco-terrorist networks operating in the Amazon. High-ranking military officials from both nations, along with U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro, attended this crucial meeting.
Joining Donovan were Peru's Defense Minister Rafael Belaúnde Llosa and the Chief of the Peruvian Joint Chiefs of Staff, General César Augusto Briceño Valdivia.
The meeting, as reported by SOUTHCOM's official account, focused on establishing the groundwork for joint action against narco-terrorist networks entrenched in the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro River Valley (VRAEM), which is Peru's most contentious area in terms of drug trafficking and terrorism.
Donovan was firm in his assessment of the situation: "In the Western Hemisphere, narco-terrorists' complete disregard for humanity, authority, or sovereignty poses one of the most significant threats to our peoples and communities."
The general also emphasized Peru's strategic role within the Americas Coalition Against Cartels (A3C): "Peru brings extensive expertise in combating narco-terrorists to the coalition. Their proficiency will bolster joint efforts to enhance regional security, while the coalition's combined capabilities will support Peru's efforts to protect its citizens and uphold its sovereignty."
Initiated by the Trump administration in March 2026 at the "Shield of the Americas" summit in Miami, the A3C now comprises 19 member countries: the United States, Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Peru officially joined the coalition in September 2026 after President Keiko Fujimori confirmed the decision following a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Lima. Peruvian Foreign Minister Carlos Espá clarified to the Senate that joining the coalition does not involve a binding treaty or grant any state unilateral action within Peruvian territory.
Iquitos was chosen as the site for this visit due to its strategic location. The Amazonian city borders Colombia, Brazil, and Ecuador, acting as a gateway to regions most affected by drug trafficking within the country.
This bilateral cooperation comes amid heightened operational activity in the VRAEM. From January to early September, the Peruvian Armed Forces reported 3,952 patrols, seven military operations, and the seizure of over 38,000 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride.
In July, during "Operation Quiñones," they neutralized Jhonny Curo Rojas, alias "Richard," identified as a member of the political bureau of the remnants of the Shining Path.
Donovan's visit to Peru is part of a sustained escalation of U.S. military strategy in the hemisphere, including the August activation of the Joint Task Force for the Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) and the joint designation of 25 criminal organizations as terrorist entities by 14 coalition countries. The U.S. also reallocated $52 million in military assistance for Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama to combat narco-terrorism.
In this context, the Guantanamo Naval Base was designated in October as the first training site for SOUTHCOM's Autonomous Warfare Command, solidifying its role as a regional platform for advanced operations.
Understanding the Threat of Narco-Terrorism in the Americas
What is the main focus of the U.S. Southern Command's visit to Peru?
The visit primarily aims to strengthen military cooperation against narco-terrorist networks in the Amazon region of Peru.
Why is the VRAEM significant in the context of narco-terrorism?
The VRAEM is a key area in Peru that faces severe challenges with drug trafficking and terrorism, making it a focal point for joint military action.
How does Peru contribute to the Americas Coalition Against Cartels?
Peru offers extensive expertise in combating narco-terrorism, enhancing the coalition's efforts to improve regional security and sovereignty protection.