Adm. Stavridis Praises U.S.-Honduran Cooperation in Confronting Mutual Threats

• Adm. Stavridis reaffirms the U.S.-Honduran strategic partnership during his visit.
• Security discussions focused on drug, arms, and human trafficking threatening the region.
• Honduran military shows impressive progress, gaining public respect over time.
• Joint operations led to significant drug seizures, showcasing cooperation success.
• U.S. to provide additional resources to bolster Honduran drug interdiction efforts.

Strengthening U.S.-Honduran Military Cooperation

A notable visit by the commander of U.S. Southern Command, Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, took place in Honduras recently, aimed at reinforcing the critical partnership between the two nations. During his visit, he met with key Honduran leaders including President Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales, Defense Minister Aristides Mejia Carranza, and Defense Chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Orlando Vasquez Velasquez. The discussions centered around pressing security challenges that are relevant to both countries, specifically illicit activities such as drug, arms, and human trafficking which pose threats to national and regional stability.

Recent Successes in Drug Interdiction

Adm. Stavridis highlighted the remarkable strides made by Honduras’ military, which has emerged as a leading respected institution, following a decade-long transformation focused on professionalism and integrity. Both officials from the U.S. and Honduras acknowledged that the close ties and ongoing exercises between the two militaries have led to visible success in their shared fight against narcotics and organized crime. Recent operations, supported by intelligence from U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force South, showcased this cooperation when Honduran authorities seized a significant cache of cocaine, marking a milestone in their efforts against drug traffickers, with crucial support from the U.S. Navy during the interdiction.

Long-Term Commitment to Regional Security

Looking ahead, Stavridis announced upcoming enhancements to Honduran military capabilities, including the arrival of U.S.-funded fast boats designed for drug interdiction. These additional resources, alongside training and equipment facilitated by the Enduring Friendship security assistance program, underscore the commitment of the U.S. to bolster Honduras’ security infrastructure. The U.S. Southern Command’s long-term engagement, demonstrated by the support for Joint Task Force Bravo, which has been deployed in Honduras since 1983, illustrates a deep-seated relationship rooted in mutual respect and cooperation.

In summary, the ongoing collaboration between the U.S. and Honduras exemplifies a dedication to combating shared threats like drug trafficking and enhancing regional stability. The strengthened military ties have yielded tangible results, such as successful drug seizures and the enhancement of Honduran military capabilities. Admiral Stavridis’ recent visit further cements this alliance and emphasizes the importance of interagency cooperation in ensuring both national and regional security.

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