Peru Grants US Troops Access for Joint Training and Security Exercises

By John Pranay (Editor)

Peru has granted US troops access to the country for the entire year of 2026, allowing them to conduct joint training, support, and security assistance exercises with local armed and police forces. The resolution, approved by the Peruvian Congress, permits US military personnel to be in the country from January 1 to December 31, 2026, and to carry combat weapons during their stay. The move reflects a clear alignment by the Peruvian government with US security interests, with the US contingent expected to include special forces, Navy SEAL teams, and other units.

The authorization was published after Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela confirmed that the US government had notified the US Congress of its intention to designate Peru as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). De Zela stated that this designation was a political gesture recognizing Peru as a trustworthy partner in security and defense. The measure is expected to grant the Peruvian Armed Forces a privileged position regarding cooperation and access to military facilities and benefits within the US military relationship. Peruvian President José Jerí met with a delegation from the FBI and US security experts in Lima as part of the process to develop a new national citizen security plan.

This move marks a significant shift in Peru's security policy, with the country's government increasingly aligning itself with US security interests. In 2019, Peru's Congress approved a law allowing US military personnel to participate in joint exercises with Peruvian forces, but the current resolution extends this access for an entire year. The designation of Peru as a Major Non-NATO Ally is also a notable development, as it recognizes the country's commitment to security and defense cooperation with the US.

The humanitarian impact of this move is unclear, but some critics have raised concerns that national sovereignty could be compromised by this type of foreign military presence. The decision is also likely to affect voters and civilians, particularly in regions where US military personnel will be stationed. The international alliances triggered by this move include the US-Peru partnership, which is expected to strengthen cooperation on security and defense issues.

Several risks have been mentioned in the sources, including the potential compromise of national sovereignty, the impact on local communities, and the escalation of tensions with neighboring countries. Regulatory risks include the need for Peru to adapt its laws and regulations to accommodate the US military presence, while financial risks include the potential costs associated with hosting US troops. Physical risks include the possibility of accidents or conflicts between US military personnel and local populations.

This development suggests that Peru is increasingly becoming a key player in the US's security strategy in the region. The designation of Peru as a Major Non-NATO Ally is a significant step towards strengthening the US-Peru partnership, which could have far-reaching implications for regional security. However, this move also raises questions about the potential risks and consequences of hosting a large US military presence in the country. Crucially, this overlooks the potential impact on local communities and the need for Peru to balance its security interests with its national sovereignty.

Overall, the medium-term sentiment around this story is Bullish.

1. Peru grants US troops access next year — https://en.mercopress.com/2025/12/15/peru-grants-us-troops-access-next-year

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.