Latin Americas Military Forces Face Growing US Counter-Threats and Concerns

US President Donald Trump has issued threats of military action against the governments of Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico. The comments were made on Monday morning, as part of a broader statement aimed at countering drug trafficking and securing US interests in the Western Hemisphere.

The US military strike against Venezuela over the weekend resulted in the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro, sparking concerns across Latin America. Trump’s remarks have revived tensions surrounding US involvement in the region.

The capabilities of the armed forces of the countries targeted by Trump are being assessed. According to 2025 Global Firepower rankings, Brazil has the most powerful military in Latin America and ranks 11th globally. Mexico ranks 32nd, Colombia 46th, Venezuela 50th, and Cuba 67th.

These countries have varying levels of military strength compared to the US, which maintains a significant advantage in terms of active personnel, military aircraft, combat tanks, naval assets, and military budgets. However, some Latin American nations have notable paramilitary forces that operate alongside their regular armed forces.

Cuba has the world’s third-largest paramilitary force, with over 1.14 million members. Venezuela has pro-government armed civilian groups known as “colectivos” that are accused of enforcing political control and intimidating opponents. Colombia has a history of right-wing paramilitary groups that emerged in the 1980s to fight left-wing rebels.

Mexico’s heavily armed drug cartels function as de facto paramilitary forces, exercising territorial control and challenging local authorities. The US has a long history of intervening in Latin America, with past examples including the Banana Wars and the Good Neighbor Policy.

The remarks made by Trump have sparked concerns about the potential for conflict between the US and its neighbors.

Source: Al Jazeera