U.S. and Jamaica sign major military deal to deepen security cooperation
United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth (left), and Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr Horace Chang, at the second Americas Counter Cartel Coalition Forum in Panama on August 12. - Contributed photo
Key Points(5)
- The United States and Jamaica have signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) aimed at strengthening military and security cooperation between the two countries.
- The agreement was signed Aug.
- 20, 2026, following discussions between U.S.
- Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Horace Chang during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Americas Counter Cartels Coalition Forum in Panama on Aug.
- A SOFA establishes the terms under which members of one country’s armed forces may temporarily operate in another country for mutually agreed activities, including military training exercises and joint operations.
The United States and Jamaica have signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) aimed at strengthening military and security cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement was signed Aug. 20, 2026, following discussions between U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Horace Chang during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Americas Counter Cartels Coalition Forum in Panama on Aug. 12.
A SOFA establishes the terms under which members of one country’s armed forces may temporarily operate in another country for mutually agreed activities, including military training exercises and joint operations. Jamaica joins more than 120 countries that have similar agreements with the United States.
The two countries have maintained close security ties for decades, with the U.S. Armed Forces and the Jamaica Defence Force participating in joint training exercises, professional exchanges, humanitarian missions, disaster response activities and other security initiatives.
In a joint statement, the U.S. and Jamaican governments said the agreement sends a message to criminal organizations in the region that the two countries are committed to expanding their cooperation in the fight against groups involved in trafficking guns, drugs and people.
The agreement provides a framework for further cooperation in areas including regional security, defense and disaster response, according to the statement.
The governments said the SOFA also reaffirms their commitment to a strong security partnership and to advancing peace and their mutual interests through closer cooperation.
