Costa Rica's President Supports U.S. Ground Operations for National Security

On September 4, Costa Rican President Laura Fernandez stated that U.S. ground operations could benefit national security in her country. She noted that any such initiative would require legislative approval and emphasized that no concrete plans were currently in place with the United States.

Fernandez highlighted the importance of collaboration against transnational crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism. Since taking office in May, she has focused on addressing rising violence and drug-related issues, with the homicide rate reaching a record high of 17.2 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, double that of a decade ago.

Despite the escalating violence, Fernandez clarified that she is not considering a state of emergency or the suspension of constitutional guarantees to combat the crisis linked to organized crime.