Posted: Tuesday, June 24, 2025. 10:10 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: In a major effort to disrupt cartel operations in Central America, U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron (MSAS) recently completed a critical training mission with the Belize Defence Force (BDF).
According to an article by Tech. Sgt. Levi Reynolds, 621st Contingency Response Wing, the joint operation focused on using Belize’s U.S.-supplied C-208 Grand Caravan aircraft to detect and counter illicit activities.
Belize’s Grand Caravan, equipped with the MX-15 sensor and AERONet communication system, was central to the mission.
U.S. advisors helped BDF personnel integrate advanced gear and execute airdrops, nighttime landings, and maritime interdiction drills—capabilities essential for reaching remote areas where drug cartels operate.
“This training mission reflects the U.S.’s focus on protecting its southern border by addressing the root of the problem,” said Lt. Col. Mary Lea Bordelon, 571st MSAS Commander. “By strengthening our partners… we can disrupt cartel activity before it ever reaches our borders.”
For the first time, BDF forces conducted night landings using contingency lights and airdrops to support remote bases. “The cartel activity has really been in decline of late,” said Capt. Correa of the BDF Air Wing. “Particularly thanks to our ability to operate at night.”
Maintenance experts also resolved long-standing navigational issues with the C-208, ensuring it remains fully operational.
The training, which included Belize’s Air Wing, Coast Guard, and Anti-Narcotics units, marks a deepening of U.S.-Belize defense ties in the region’s escalating fight against transnational crime.
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The post U.S., Belize strengthen Border Security in fight against cartels appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, June 24, 2025. 10:10 am CST. By Zoila Palma: In a major effort to disrupt cartel operations in Central America, U.S. Air Force Airmen
The post U.S., Belize strengthen Border Security in fight against cartels appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
