US Military Officials Sign NDAs Amid Latin America Operations

US military officials engaged in operations in Latin America under President Donald Trump have been required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), raising significant concerns about the ongoing military build-up in the region. This move, confirmed by three US officials, has prompted fears in Venezuela of a potential invasion, as the military presence continues to escalate.

Unusual NDA Requirement Raises Concerns

The requirement for NDAs is particularly notable because US military personnel are already bound by regulations to protect national security information. Lawmakers in Congress have voiced concerns about being kept uninformed regarding critical aspects of these operations. The officials who disclosed this information did so on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to provide details about the number of personnel involved or the specific content of the agreements.

The use of NDAs by the Defense Department has become more frequent since Pete Hegseth took over as Secretary of Defense in January. However, the application of these agreements specifically related to Latin American operations has not been reported until now. The Pentagon’s recent announcement regarding the deployment of the Gerald Ford aircraft carrier group to Latin America marks a significant escalation in military activities that experts argue exceed the needs of counter-narcotics operations, which have been cited as the official rationale for the current mission.

Since early September, the US military has conducted at least 13 strikes against alleged drug vessels, predominantly in the Caribbean, resulting in approximately 57 fatalities. While the Pentagon has not specified the identities of those targeted, it has acknowledged that some were individuals from Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador.

Escalation of Military Presence

The deployment of the carrier strike group adds roughly 10,000 troops and substantial firepower to an already significant military presence, which includes guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine, and around 6,500 troops. The Pentagon has yet to clarify the necessity for such extensive military resources for operations ostensibly focused on drug interdiction.

Since assuming office, Hegseth has implemented measures to control information flow within the Pentagon. An October 15 memo instructed staff members to seek permission before engaging with Congress members, indicating a shift towards greater secrecy. He has also initiated investigations into leaks and established a new press access policy that restricts credentials for journalists who do not comply.

The Trump administration has linked the governments of Venezuela and Colombia to the drug trade, claims that both nations have categorically denied. Despite these denials, there are growing apprehensions that the US military may be tasked with conducting operations against both countries. In a recent television interview, Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican ally of Trump, suggested that the President would soon address Congress regarding “future potential military operations against Venezuela and Colombia.”

The Pentagon has not provided immediate commentary on the situation, leaving many questions unanswered as tensions in the region continue to rise.