EXPLAINERNews|MilitaryHow strong are Latin America’s military forces, as they face US threats?Trump has threatened Colombia, Cuba and Mexico with military action. Could their armies take on the US?
## Geopolitical Developments in Latin America
Geopolitical Developments in Latin America
On Sun, Jan 3, 2026, the United States conducted a significant military operation in Venezuela, leading to the detention of President Nicolas Maduro. This event has intensified regional tensions in Latin America.
On Mon, Jan 4, 2026, US President Donald Trump issued statements threatening further actions against Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico. These actions were justified as measures to combat drug trafficking and protect US interests in the region.
Military Capabilities in Latin America
The United States maintains the world's most formidable military, with a 2025 defense budget of $895 billion, accounting for approximately 3.1 percent of its GDP. In contrast, the military capabilities of Latin American countries are considerably lower.
Brazil: Ranked 11th globally. Mexico: Ranked 32nd globally. Colombia: Ranked 46th globally. Venezuela: Ranked 50th globally. Cuba: Ranked 67th globally.
On Sun, Jan 3, 2026, the United States conducted a significant military operation in Venezuela, leading to the detention of President Nicolas Maduro.
These nations lag in various military metrics, including active personnel, military aircraft, combat tanks, and naval assets. However, they possess significant paramilitary forces.
Many Latin American countries have notable paramilitary groups that operate outside the conventional military framework, often engaging in asymmetrical warfare.
Cuba: Hosts the world's third-largest paramilitary force, with over 1.14 million members, including the Territorial Troops Militia. Venezuela: Pro-government civilian groups, known as "colectivos," are involved in political enforcement. Colombia: Right-wing paramilitary groups, initially formed in the 1980s, continue to influence rural regions despite official demobilization. Mexico: Drug cartels function as paramilitary entities, challenging state authority with military-grade weaponry.
The United States has a historical pattern of involvement in Latin America, including military interventions and political influence. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, US military actions, known as the Banana Wars, aimed to protect corporate interests. During the Cold War, the US engaged in operations to alter political landscapes, often coordinated by the CIA.
In 1989, the US invaded Panama under "Operation Just Cause," resulting in the removal of President Manuel Noriega.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.