By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño has not ruled out the possibility of American military personnel conducting joint security operations in Belize, saying his government is prepared to consider proposals that serve the country’s national security interests.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday following an event associated with Belize’s US$125 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact with the United States, Briceño revealed that he had briefly discussed security cooperation with the United States Ambassador and a senior military official.
He said he has instructed senior Belizean security officials, including the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security, the Commander of the Belize Defence Force and the Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, to hold further technical discussions with their American counterparts.
“We know we need help,” Briceño acknowledged, pointing to Belize’s need for additional equipment, intelligence and training to confront potential threats from powerful Mexican drug cartels.
The Prime Minister was specifically asked whether Belize would permit foreign troops to operate on its territory, particularly as neighboring countries debate the implications of expanded American military involvement.
He declined to make a definitive commitment, saying the technical discussions must first take place before government determines what arrangements would be acceptable.
Briceño maintained that Belize is prepared to cooperate on measures that benefit both the country and the wider region.
The discussions follow regional efforts to strengthen security cooperation under the US-backed Shield of the Americas initiative, which addresses transnational organized crime and other security threats.
For now, the Prime Minister has not announced any agreement authorizing American combat operations or the deployment of foreign troops on Belizean soil.
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