US May Launch Military Strikes Against Drug Labs in Mexico

The Trump administration has begun planning a military operation in Mexico against drug cartels.

The preparations include the possible deployment of U.S. military and intelligence personnel to Mexico to target drug labs and cartel leaders, NBC News reported, citing current and former US officials.

According to preliminary data, the mission may involve units of the Joint Special Operations Command and CIA officers.

They will operate under the Title 50 of the U.S. Code that governs intelligence activities and allows for covert operations abroad.

No final decision on the deployment has been made, but operational planning is already underway. The administration wants to avoid publicity and may not announce the start of the mission publicly.

In February, the U.S. State Department designated six Mexican cartels, as well as the MS-13 and Tren de Aragua groups, as foreign terrorist organizations.

This gave the military and intelligence agencies broader powers to spy on and strike at these organizations.

The mission in Mexico will be the first direct U.S. operation against the cartels, and Mexico has already expressed objections.

“The country is coordinating and cooperating, but not submitting to Washington,” said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Trump’s previous actions against drug trafficking have included strikes on ships off Venezuela that the U.S. believes were transporting drugs. More than 60 people were killed in these attacks.

Trump says the cartels pose a threat to U.S. national security and that law enforcement methods have not stopped the flow of fentanyl and cocaine.

“Only military action and direct strikes can bring results and destroy the networks that ‘run Mexico instead of the government,’” the U.S. president emphasized.

The Pentagon recently confirmed the destruction of four drug boats in the Pacific Ocean.