Washington, Jan. 9 -- US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday emphasised the need for firm action against criminal cartels, linking peace to asserting authority and strengthening legitimate governments.

Highlighting Washington's approach, Vance said, "One of the ways that you establish peace in your own hemisphere is to make it clear that the United States is going to be respected, that the United States is willing to take power away from criminal cartel organisations and give it to legitimate governments."

Vance's remarks came as US President Donald Trump indicated that the administration will soon begin targeting drug cartels on land, following a month-long military campaign against alleged drug trafficking routes in regional waters. ...