Such powerful and concrete measures are examples of the type of active engagement that we want to see from our partners, Hegseth says.
Since September last year, 215 people have been killed in US raids on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Pacific. The attacks have been criticized by human rights groups, and the US has provided no evidence to support its claims.
According to Hegseth, Colombia will also become the 19th member of a coalition against cartels.
The newly elected president and Trump ally Abelardo de la Espriella ran for election on a tougher line against cartels and drug trafficking and has previously opened up to American troops in Colombia.
