US and Belize Strengthen Security Ties to Combat Cartels

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires David Hodge recently met with two government ministers to discuss strengthening the partnership between the United States and Belize on critical security issues. First, Hodge congratulated Kareem Musa on his reappointment as Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries. During their meeting, the two discussed how they could further deepen the U.S.-Belize law enforcement collaboration. It focused on bolstering Belize’s capacity to secure its borders and combat transnational organized crime, including cartels and groups designated by the U.S. as foreign terrorist organizations. Hodge later met with Oscar Mira, who was recently appointed as Minister of National Defense and Border Security. Hodge expressed the U.S.’s continued commitment to supporting Belize on defense and security matters, particularly in the fight against drug traffickers and other criminal organizations operating in the region. The US Embassy stated that discussions reflect the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Belize, with both countries working together to combat transnational crime and enhance security in the region.