Western Hemisphere defense chiefs convene after border drone scare prompts airspace closure
Top U.S. military leaders meet with representatives from over 30 countries to enhance security cooperation in the Western Hemisphere, focusing on border control and regional threats.
Top military leaders from the United States are hosting a significant gathering in Washington, which includes representatives from more than 30 participating nations across the Western Hemisphere. This meeting highlights the Trump administration's efforts to strengthen security cooperation in the region as a response to growing concerns around border security, drug trafficking, and global adversaries posing threats to the Americas. War Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized a renewed focus on prioritizing the safety and security of the Americas, arguing that for America to safeguard its interests, the region itself must be prioritized.
During the conference, discussions centered around preventing adversaries and criminal organizations from exploiting the territories of neighboring nations and using their infrastructure in ways that could threaten regional stability. Hegseth quoted former president Teddy Roosevelt in underlining the goal of achieving 'permanent peace in this hemisphere.' This meeting reflects a shift in national security strategy, moving attention towards immediate threats imposed by drug trafficking and transnational crime, emphasizing cooperation between nations.
Furthermore, as part of this initiative, NORAD aircraft are also scheduled to arrive in Greenland for routine exercises, showcasing military readiness and collaboration among the nations involved. This gathering not only aims to address security concerns but is part of a broader national strategy to forge closer ties between the U.S. and its neighbors in face of evolving threats, particularly in light of recent events like border drone incidents that have raised alarms about airspace security.