Overview
- Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori announced that Peru will join the U.S.-led Shield of the Americas coalition to share intelligence and coordinate joint action against drug cartels.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio completed a three-country tour of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru and welcomed Lima’s decision while saying the United States will seek partner approval before taking military action inside partner countries.
- The U.S. military has continued maritime strikes against vessels it calls linked to narcotics networks, including a recent strike reported to have killed three people, even as Washington stresses working with allies.
- Rubio’s visit and the coalition entry prompted street protests in Lima and a public rebuke from China’s embassy, reflecting fears about sovereignty and the contest for influence given China’s large trade and investment ties with Peru.
- Peru’s pledge follows a spike in crime and emergency measures, and it deepens security ties that could bring U.S. equipment, intelligence support and possible military construction at Callao, though many funding and hardware promises still need congressional approval or future delivery.