Background on the Situation
Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the United States is considering launching military and police operations within Mexico to combat drug trafficking cartels operating in the country, according to NBC News.
Current Status and Plans
While the US administration prefers to coordinate with the Mexican government for any new mission against drug cartels, officials have not ruled out operating without Mexico’s cooperation, stated two active and two former US officials, as reported by NBC News.
Initial training stages for the potential mission have already begun, which would include ground operations in Mexico. However, a deployment in Mexico is not imminent, according to officials and one former US official.
Breaking from Previous Administrations
This planned mission would represent a departure from previous US administrations, which have discreetly deployed CIA personnel, military, and law enforcement in Mexico to support local police and army units fighting against drug cartels, as per NBC News.
Mission Details
The US Department of Defense’s Joint Special Operations Command and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) are planning direct involvement in Mexico due to the mission’s focus on drone operations targeting drug labs and cartel leaders, according to sources speaking to NBC News.
These sources explained that ground operators are necessary for the effective and safe use of the equipment involved in the incursion.
Cartel Designation
Under Trump’s orders, all drug trafficking organizations operating in Mexico have been designated as “foreign terrorist organizations” since February, including the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), Cártel de Sinaloa, Cártel del Golfo, Nueva Familia Michoacana, Cártel del Noroeste (CDC, a splinter group of the Zetas), and Cárteles Unidos.
President Trump’s Stance
Prior to taking office, President Trump announced that although Mexico might not want it, the US would take necessary actions against drug cartels. He threatened to drop bombs on fentanyl labs and send special forces to Mexico to eliminate cartel leaders.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main plan? The US plans to conduct military and police operations within Mexico to combat drug cartels.
- Why is this a significant change from previous administrations? Previously, the US had discreetly supported Mexican local police and army units without direct military or law enforcement involvement.
- Which cartels have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations? The Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), Cártel de Sinaloa, Cártel del Golfo, Nueva Familia Michoacana, Cártel del Noroeste (CDC), and Cárteles Unidos.
- What is the focus of the planned mission? The mission centers on drone operations targeting drug labs and cartel leaders.
- Why are ground operators necessary for the mission? Ground operators ensure the effective and safe use of equipment during the incursion.
