The Trump administration is considering drone strikes against cartels in Mexico as part of the fight against drug trafficking across the southern border of the United States.

NBC News reported on this, citing six sources in the country’s military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies.

The US military and the CIA have sharply stepped up reconnaissance flights over Mexico in an effort to track the activities of the largest cartels that dominate the fentanyl supply.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Wednesday that the US government’s reconnaissance drone flights over Mexico are carried out in cooperation with her government and at the request of her government.

The sharp increase in intelligence activity may be an indication of intelligence gathering ahead of the likely launch of a major campaign against the cartels, which the new White House administration has labeled a national security threat.

A possible operation is still at an early stage of discussion between the White House, the Department of Defense, and intelligence officials. It could involve drone strikes against key figures and the material and technical resources of the cartels in Mexico with the support of the Mexican government.

However, the administration has not yet reached a final agreement on countering the cartels. According to the sources, unilateral covert actions without Mexico’s consent are not excluded and may be a last resort.

It is worth noting that if the governments approve the operation of both countries, it will not be the first time that the US military and intelligence will work in concert with law enforcement agencies and the Mexican army against local cartels.

Last month, Militarnyi reported the deployment of U.S. strategic reconnaissance aircraft, including U-2 and RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft, to monitor the areas around the border with Mexico.

Also, to strengthen control, the United States deployed the Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division on the border with Mexico. In addition, they have been joined by engineering, intelligence, and communications units.

One of the key problems on the border is the cartels’ drones, which provide reconnaissance and drug trafficking across the border. In addition, cartels have been using kamikaze drones in internal conflicts for years. Therefore, the army has deployed a network of radars to control the airspace.

Units of the U.S. 10th Mountain Division, which were deployed to Arizona to strengthen border security earlier this year, have been using AN/TPQ-53 and AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radars to monitor the area.