Military action against drug cartels being considered by Trump, according to reports in the US
The Trump administration has announced plans to tackle Latin American drug cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), with potential military operations both on US soil and abroad.
The proposed measures, which include special forces operations and intelligence support, are under discussion in coordination with foreign partners. However, these plans have sparked controversy and strong opposition from regional governments, particularly Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has declared that there will be "no invasion" of her country, and the US military will not be allowed onto Mexican territory. Sheinbaum has also dismissed the US accusation of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's links to the Sinaloa Cartel, stating that Mexico has no such evidence and that if Washington does, it should share it.
The designation of these cartels as FTOs means it becomes a national security issue, not just a law enforcement issue. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the designations allow the US to "start treating them as armed terrorist organizations, not simply drug dealing organizations."
The strategy focuses on treating these cartels as terrorists rather than mere drug traffickers, thus justifying the use of military force and expanded powers of intelligence and defense agencies.
The current military plans involve the Trump administration directing the Pentagon to prepare options for using US military force both on US soil and potentially on foreign soil, including waters and territory in Latin America, to target these cartels.
In addition to direct military action abroad, intelligence sharing and enforcement coordination agreements are being drafted collaboratively between the US and Mexico to aid efforts against the cartels. However, Mexico firmly opposes US military operations within its borders, emphasizing cooperation without invasion.
Experts argue that military intervention against profit-driven criminal organizations risks breaching international law, damaging diplomatic relations, and potentially failing to achieve clear strategic objectives due to the complex nature of organized crime and sovereignty issues.
In March, US President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to prepare military plans against Latin American drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that Trump's top priority is protecting the homeland, and the step to designate several cartels and gangs as FTOs serves this purpose.
Despite the controversy, discussions emphasize enhanced intelligence cooperation, though actual cross-border military operations remain contentious and uncertain.
- The move to designate Latin American drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) by the Trump administration is not limited to traditional law enforcement, as it also involves treating them as armed terrorist organizations.
- The media coverage of the proposed plans has been intense, with critics questioning the legality and effectiveness of using military force against profit-driven criminal organizations, particularly in the context of complex sovereignty issues.
- While the Trump administration has announced plans for potential military operations both on US soil and abroad against these FTOs, there is strong opposition from regional governments such as Mexico, who advocate for enhanced intelligence cooperation instead of cross-border military operations.
