White House officials have discussed conducting drone strikes against cartel figures and their networks in Mexico, with or without the cooperation of the Mexican government. Though a covert operation done without Mexico’s permission would be considered a “last resort,” at least six sources with knowledge of the matter told NBC News.
Discussions about the drone strikes are still in the early stages and there is no consensus among White House, Defense Department and intelligence officials, the news outlet reported. President Donald Trump has made combating drug cartels a priority for his second term in office, designating cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations” and placing tariffs on Mexico for not doing more to stop the flow of fentanyl across the border.Even during his first administration, Trump floated the idea of using the U.S. military to combat drug cartels by sending soldiers into Mexico. Now, the option to use military intervention seems to be under more serious consideration. (Read More)
