Peru is moving forward to join the Shield of the Americas, an anti-cartel program championed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Foreign Minister Carlos Espa confirmed the country’s intent on Friday, shortly after President Keiko Fujimori began her term.
The alliance consists of various pro-U.S. Latin American governments, such as those in Argentina, Ecuador, and El Salvador. By participating, member nations share intelligence and synchronize their legal and security operations to counter cross-border crime.
President Fujimori campaigned on a platform of improving national security and had expressed interest in the partnership prior to her Tuesday inauguration. Espa, a former U.S. embassy employee, stated that Peru intends to expand its collaboration with neighboring countries to disrupt criminal networks. Peru remains a significant global producer of cocaine.
Additionally, the incoming Colombian administration under president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella is set to join the initiative this August.
