Pentagon considers deploying Reaper drones to Latin America

The Pentagon is considering deploying MQ-9 Reaper strike and reconnaissance drones from Africa to Central and South America as part of operations against drug cartels, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports, citing sources.

The drones were reportedly used by the US military to strike several vessels linked to drug trafficking in 2025.

As US operations in the region expand, American military officials are considering moving additional MQ-9s from Africa.

The drones can intercept electronic communications, detect heat signatures and carry out precision strikes, according to the report.

US Southern Command chief Francis Donovan declined to comment on the reports.

He told the WSJ that US forces needed advanced technology for operations in Latin America because of the region's challenging terrain and weather conditions.

He also said that no potential action against drug cartels had been ruled out, including ground strikes, arrests and the elimination of safe houses.

By Aghakazim Guliyev