The World - News from Sept. 10, 1989

A secret portion of President Bush’s anti-drug program authorizes an expanded role for the U.S. military in the drug war in Latin America, the Washington Post reported. A classified national security directive signed by the President includes new rules of engagement that would authorize U.S. Special Forces to accompany local forces on some narcotics patrols, the report said. However, Latin American specialists noted that regional governments are extremely reluctant to request any U.S. military role beyond that of advice and training. Colombia has specifically said that under no circumstances would it ask for U.S. troops to help fight its current war against the drug cartels.