Peru joins US-led Shield of the Americas security alliance

September 11, 2026 at 02:31 AM1 min

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Peru joined the US-led Shield of the Americas security alliance on Thursday after talks between President Keiko Fujimori and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The alliance shares intelligence and cooperates in military operations against drug cartels. Fujimori also awarded Rubio the Order of the Sun, one of Peru's highest civilian honours.

Key Facts

Peru is the world's second-largest producer of cocaine, behind Colombia.
Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru's president in July after campaigning heavily on security issues.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Lima as part of a three-day, three-country tour of South America.
The Shield of the Americas is also known as the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (ACCC).

Alliance Membership

Peru joined the Shield of the Americas, a regional security alliance led by the United States that shares intelligence and cooperates in military operations against drug cartels. President Keiko Fujimori announced the move on Thursday after talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Fujimori said Peru appreciated the opportunity to join the initiative, citing the country's past experience tackling terrorism. Rubio praised the decision, calling the alliance a shield against transnational criminal groups that often have more money and better military equipment than the state.

Regional Concerns

Washington's involvement in the region remains controversial given its history of interventions and support for right-wing leaders accused of human rights abuses. Al Jazeera correspondent Teresa Bo said closer cooperation has raised fears about greater US military influence eroding Latin American sovereignty. Rubio sought to address those concerns, saying the US would only intervene with the permission of local authorities. He stated the US would not do more than what partners ask of it.