US military deploying over 4,000 additional troops to waters around Latin America as part of Trump’s counter-cartel mission

The U.S. military is sending more than 4,000 Marines and sailors to waters surrounding Latin America and the Caribbean in a heightened push to counter drug cartels, two U.S. defense officials told CNN. The move, described as a significant show of force, will give the president a wide array of military options should he choose to target cartel operations.

The deployment involves the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to U.S. Southern Command — a shift in military assets that has been quietly underway for the past three weeks, according to one official. In addition to the ARG/MEU, the mission includes a nuclear-powered attack submarine, multiple P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, several destroyers, and a guided-missile cruiser.

A third source familiar with the plans said the enhanced military presence is aimed at countering threats from “specially designated narco-terrorist organizations” operating in the region. While the Navy announced the deployments of the USS Iwo Jima, USS Fort Lauderdale, USS San Antonio, and the 22nd MEU on Friday, it did not disclose their destination.

Officials stress that the buildup is, for now, largely intended as a deterrent and a message to adversaries — rather than an indication of imminent precision strikes. Still, it gives U.S. commanders and the president a full spectrum of capabilities if military action is ordered. The ARG/MEU includes an aviation combat element, adding to its operational flexibility.

However, the move has sparked debate within defense circles. Some officials note that Marines are not specifically trained for drug interdiction and counter-narcotics missions, meaning any such operations would require significant reliance on the U.S. Coast Guard. MEUs, they add, are typically used for other missions, such as supporting large-scale evacuations — as seen during their extended deployment to the eastern Mediterranean amid rising tensions involving Israel, Hamas, and Iran.

A Marine official told CNN the MEU “stands ready to execute lawful orders and support the combatant commanders in the needs that are requested of them.” Earlier this year, the U.S. deployed destroyers near the U.S.-Mexico border in support of Northern Command’s security mission. These latest assets, however, will operate under Southern Command and are expected to remain in the region for several months.