Although this is not the first time the US and Mexico would be working together for a possible joint operation against drug cartels, a blueprint of the plan this time would involve an unprecedented number of US personnel
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The US government is planning to launch drone strikes against Mexican drug cartels as President Donald Trump vows to combat the trafficking of narcotics from the Latin American nation.
Officials from the US military, law enforcement and intelligence officials have told NBC News that the White House is discussing initial plans with the Defence Department to attack cartels and their networks in the country with drones in collaboration with the Mexican government.
The administration has yet to make a final decision or reach a concrete agreement on how to address the cartels. Sources indicated that unilateral covert actions, carried out without Mexico’s approval, remain a possibility and could be considered as a last resort. It is still uncertain whether US officials have discussed the option of drone strikes with the Mexican government.
How has US stepped up surveillance?
Although this is not the first time the US and Mexico would be working together for a possible joint operation against drug cartels, a blueprint of the plan this time would involve an unprecedented number of US personnel and American unmanned aircraft to bomb cartel personnel and assets.
According to six sources, the US military and CIA have significantly increased surveillance flights over Mexico to gather intelligence in preparation for what is expected to be a major operation against the cartels, which the White House has identified as a national security threat. These flights are being conducted with the approval of the Mexican government, as confirmed by President Claudia Sheinbaum.
How is Mexico helping?
Last week, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that there are more lists of names of alleged drug traffickers for extradition to the United States.
In February, Mexico handed over nearly 30 jailed convicts or others accused of ties to violent drug cartels to US authorities amid threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose across-the-board tariffs on Mexican goods, which he later paused.
Trump is expected to announce reciprocal tariff rates on April 2, after implementing levies on aluminum, steel and automobiles.
Sheinbaum said in her daily press conference that Mexico does not believe in “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” regarding its response to US tariffs, but that action would be taken.
With inputs from agencies