The US may start hitting Mexican cartels with drones
Donald Trump's administration is exploring the possibility of using attack drones to destroy drug cartels in Mexico as part of its fight against the "fentanyl crisis" that threatens US national security.
Here's What We Know
This was reported by NBC News, citing sources in the US security and intelligence agencies
In response to the cartel threat, the US military and the CIA have stepped up reconnaissance flights over Mexico. According to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, such missions are carried out in agreement with her government and at its request. This may indicate preparations for a large-scale operation against drug trafficking groups that control cross-border fentanyl flows.
Discussions on the potential use of drones are ongoing between the White House, the Pentagon and intelligence agencies. Strikes are planned to target cartel leaders and their infrastructure, but the decision has not yet been finalised. If diplomatic arrangements fail, the option of unilateral US action, i.e. covert strikes without official approval from Mexico City, cannot be ruled out.
Such actions would not be unprecedented: the US military has already cooperated with Mexican law enforcement and the army in the fight against cartels. Last month, flights of US strategic reconnaissance aircraft, including U-2 and RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft, were spotted on the border with Mexico. The 4th Infantry Division's Stryker Brigade Combat Team, engineering, communications, and intelligence units are also deployed there.
The US Army considers cartel drones to be one of the main threats on the southern border, which are used for reconnaissance, drug trafficking, and even as kamikaze drones. In response, a radar system has been deployed to monitor the airspace.
Source: NBC News
