US Military Officials Required to Sign NDAs for Expanding Latin American Operations: Inside the Growing Military Presence

The US military has executed at least 13 operations targeting suspected drug vessels since September.

Washington:

According to three US officials, military personnel involved in President Donald Trump's expanding Latin American operations have been requested to sign non-disclosure agreements. This unusual measure raises questions about a military buildup that Venezuela fears could lead to an invasion.

This step is particularly noteworthy because US military officials are already bound by obligations to protect national security information. Meanwhile, congressional lawmakers claim they are being insufficiently informed about critical aspects of the mission.

The officials who spoke anonymously to Reuters could not specify how many Defense Department members had been asked to sign these agreements, nor did they provide additional details about the NDAs' scope.

While the Defense Department has utilized NDAs occasionally since Pete Hegseth became defense secretary in January, the Pentagon's implementation of non-disclosure agreements specifically for Latin American activities has not been previously disclosed.

Last week, the Pentagon announced the Gerald Ford aircraft carrier group's deployment to Latin America, intensifying a military buildup that experts assert far exceeds what would be necessary for counter-narcotics operations—the declared purpose of US activities in the region thus far.

Since early September, the US military has conducted at least 13 strikes against alleged drug vessels, primarily in the Caribbean, resulting in approximately 57 fatalities. While providing limited information about the targets, the Pentagon has acknowledged some individuals were from Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador.

The carrier strike group adds roughly 10,000 more troops and substantial firepower to a buildup already including guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine, and approximately 6,500 troops.

The Pentagon has not clarified why such significant firepower is necessary for counter-narcotics operations.

Since assuming leadership of the Pentagon in January, Hegseth has implemented various measures to control information flow. According to an October 15 memo, he instructed Pentagon staff to obtain permission before interacting with congressional members. Additionally, he has initiated leak investigations and required Pentagon-based journalists to sign a new press access policy, revoking credentials from those who refused.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to comment requests.

The Trump administration has increasingly linked the governments of Venezuela and neighboring Colombia directly to drug trafficking—allegations both governments deny. These claims have sparked concerns that the US military might be directed to conduct operations in both countries.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican with close Trump connections, suggested during a Sunday television interview that Trump would soon outline to Congress "future potential military operations against Venezuela and Colombia."

In August, Washington doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to $50 million, accusing him of connections to drug trafficking and criminal organizations—allegations Maduro denies.

Tensions between the United States and Colombia have also escalated recently, with Trump describing Colombian President Gustavo Petro as an "illegal drug leader" and a "bad guy"—language the Colombian government considers offensive. On Friday, Washington imposed sanctions on Petro.

Graham asserted that Trump possesses all necessary authority to conduct operations in Latin America.

"These military assets are advancing to address a country with American blood on its hands through flooding our nation with drugs from Venezuela and Colombia," Graham told CBS News' "Face the Nation" with Margaret Brennan.

"I hope Maduro would depart peacefully, but I don't believe he'll remain much longer."