Peru to join US anti-drug coalition 'Shield of the Americas' after Rubio visit

Peru will join the U.S.-led "Shield of the Americas" coalition against drug cartels, President Keiko Fujimori said on Thursday during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit, deepening cooperation and tightening security ties with Washington early in her presidency.



Speaking at a joint news conference, Fujimori said Peru's participation in the coalition would speed intelligence-sharing and bolster joint action against criminal groups operating across borders.



Rubio welcomed Lima's decision, saying the initiative was meant to "shield the region" from organizations that threaten the sovereignty of countries across the hemisphere. He reiterated that the region was a priority for Washington.