US Eyes New Mission Against Mexican Cartels with Ground Operations
The Trump administration has taken its military campaign against Latin American cartels to the next level, planning a new operation that would involve sending US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico. According to officials familiar with the effort, training for this potential mission is already underway, focusing on ground operations inside Mexico. While a deployment to Mexico is not imminent, discussions about the scope of the operation are ongoing.
Under the proposed plan, US special forces operating under Title 50 status – the same designation used by the CIA – would target drug labs and cartel members and leaders with drone strikes, some of which require operators on the ground for effective use. This strategy marks a significant shift from previous administrations' approach, which involved covert operations in Mexico but not direct action.
The new mission is part of President Trump's broader efforts to combat cartels in the Western Hemisphere, following recent bombings of suspected drug-smuggling boats off Venezuela's coast. While the administration prefers coordination with the Mexican government on this operation, officials have left room for independent action if necessary.
Critics point out that the lack of evidence supporting US claims about the Venezuelan boat operations undermines credibility, but Trump argues that law enforcement methods are ineffective against cartels and that military force is necessary to address the threat they pose to national security.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected any form of intervention or interference from the US, stating that Mexico coordinates with its international partners but does not subordinate itself. The administration would maintain secrecy around this new operation, unlike recent strikes on suspected drug boats.
US officials have emphasized the need for an "all-of-government approach" to combat cartels, but many questions remain unanswered about the specifics of this proposed mission and how it will be implemented.
The Trump administration has taken its military campaign against Latin American cartels to the next level, planning a new operation that would involve sending US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico. According to officials familiar with the effort, training for this potential mission is already underway, focusing on ground operations inside Mexico. While a deployment to Mexico is not imminent, discussions about the scope of the operation are ongoing.
Under the proposed plan, US special forces operating under Title 50 status – the same designation used by the CIA – would target drug labs and cartel members and leaders with drone strikes, some of which require operators on the ground for effective use. This strategy marks a significant shift from previous administrations' approach, which involved covert operations in Mexico but not direct action.
The new mission is part of President Trump's broader efforts to combat cartels in the Western Hemisphere, following recent bombings of suspected drug-smuggling boats off Venezuela's coast. While the administration prefers coordination with the Mexican government on this operation, officials have left room for independent action if necessary.
Critics point out that the lack of evidence supporting US claims about the Venezuelan boat operations undermines credibility, but Trump argues that law enforcement methods are ineffective against cartels and that military force is necessary to address the threat they pose to national security.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected any form of intervention or interference from the US, stating that Mexico coordinates with its international partners but does not subordinate itself. The administration would maintain secrecy around this new operation, unlike recent strikes on suspected drug boats.
US officials have emphasized the need for an "all-of-government approach" to combat cartels, but many questions remain unanswered about the specifics of this proposed mission and how it will be implemented.
I mean, I'm all for a good story, but sometimes I feel like they forget about gameplay. Like, I'm trying to save the world from aliens, and then suddenly I have to drive 500 miles just to get to the next mission. 
Anyway, it's not like I'm saying we should send troops to Mexico to fight cartels... although, I guess that is kind of what they're doing now? 
US military involved in cartel ops? That's like sending in the Marines to clean up a local gang problem... not cool 
. Can't we just work with them like civilized nations? 
. Why can't they coordinate with Mexico and do it together like friends or something? 
It's all about the guns, guys... 
It just feels like more of the same - all that violence and aggression on both sides.
. I just hope there's some serious diplomacy going on behind the scenes to make sure everyone stays calm and works towards a solution, not just more military might 
.
not sure if it's an all-of-government approach or just another way for trump to flex his military muscles 
. mexican president sheinbaum seems straight up 
and i gotta respect that kind of clarity... but we still don't know what the plan is 
or how it'll actually work out in practice 
. Where's the proof that direct action is even needed? All we know is that cartels are bad news, but what about diplomatic solutions or cooperation with the Mexican government? 
. I mean, if they can train mexican forces to take out cartel leaders and labs, that's a great start 
. But like, what about the potential for collateral damage? Or the impact on the local population? Those things gotta be considered too 
. The US can provide training and support, but ultimately its up to mexico to take control of their own borders 
. And yeah, maybe some people are skeptical of the administration's methods, but if it works, who cares? 
.
. Can't we get some kind of cooperation or something instead of trying to muscle in 
Is that just because the administration wants to keep it under wraps or is there something they're not telling us? 
. It's like, what's the end goal here? Is it just about blowing up some cartel members or is it really about addressing the root causes of organized crime? 