US President Donald Trump has urged countries in the Shield of the Americas coalition to take stronger joint action against drug cartels and other transnational criminal organisations across the Western Hemisphere.
Speaking during a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Trump called on member countries to designate 24 criminal organisations as common threats and impose sanctions against them.
The coalition's 15 participating governments subsequently said they intended to pursue measures including freezing assets, restricting visas and immigration, and seeking criminal charges against members and supporters of the targeted groups.
Among the groups identified are MS-13, Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Clan del Golfo, ELN and FARC dissident groups. The coalition says the measures are intended to strengthen regional security and cooperation against organised crime.
Trump has also threatened to use what he called “unmatched military might” against cartel threats. His approach has raised concerns among some governments and observers about the extent of US military involvement in Latin America and the Caribbean.