Pentagon Sends 600 Army Troops to Latin America for Drug-Trafficking Training

What we know

• A 600-troop battalion from the Army's 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum, New York, has begun deploying to Latin America.
• The troops will first train at a new jungle warfare facility in Panama, then eventually train partner forces in Colombia and Honduras, according to The New York Times.
• The troops may also assist special operations forces in advising militaries conducting raids against suspected drug traffickers.
• Several hundred soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division will assist in staffing a new command supporting the Western Hemisphere in Miami, an anonymous military official told the outlet.
• SOUTHCOM media relations officer Steven McLoud said, "We do not disclose details or comment on U.S. personnel deployment or operational movements due to operational security concerns."