Trump Said to Be Considering Deploying Ground Forces and Drones Against Cartels in Mexico

U.S. Military Involvement in Mexico Against Drug Cartels

Reports indicate that the United States is planning to send military and intelligence personnel to Mexico to combat drug cartels. This information surfaced from former and current officials speaking with NBC News on Monday.

Training for this initiative is said to have already commenced, according to two active U.S. officials. However, it’s important to note that actual deployment to Mexico isn’t expected soon. The strategy would likely include the presence of U.S. military and CIA personnel as well as drone strikes aimed at cartel targets, marking a significant intensification of President Trump’s current efforts against drug trafficking organizations in Latin America.

“The Trump Administration is dedicated to utilizing a comprehensive government approach to tackle the threats posed by cartels to the American populace,” a senior official stated to NBC following the announcement.

If this mission goes forward, it will reportedly remain under the radar, with the administration not intending to publicize the operations, unlike previous incidents involving video-recorded attacks on cartel vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific that have drawn attention in the past.

Two active-duty officials indicated that most U.S. military forces involved would operate under the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), which operates alongside intelligence agencies. Additionally, while the CIA had previously supported the Mexican government’s efforts against cartels, this plan marks a direct involvement not seen before.