Military actions against Mexican drug cartels under Trump: "Employing the army against them"
The New York Times has reported that President Donald Trump has secretly signed a directive authorizing the Pentagon to use military force against Latin American drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations [1][2][3]. This order gives the Pentagon the authority to conduct military operations both at sea and on foreign soil targeting these cartels.
Key details from the reports include:
- The directive focuses on special forces operations, intelligence support, and precision targeting of cartel leaders and assets to dismantle drug trafficking networks [1].
- The U.S. has moved to label specific cartels as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), which legally facilitates military and intelligence actions against them [1][2].
- The directive allows potential military actions abroad, but it remains ambiguous exactly where and how these operations might be conducted. The White House and Pentagon are exploring options but have not fully disclosed operational plans [1][3].
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has explicitly rejected any U.S. military deployment within Mexico, emphasizing cooperation without military invasion [1][2]. Sheinbaum stated today that there will be "no US invasion of Mexico."
- The US Navy also has the potential to act independently in this operation. The details of the measures to be taken are still unclear [1][2].
- The decision follows Trump's official designation of the Sinaloa cartel and other Latin American organizations as "terrorist" last February [3]. This move aims to strengthen immigration controls from Mexico and increase aerial surveillance of cartel activities.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed the cartels as armed terrorist groups, supporting the use of "elements of American power" beyond law enforcement to combat them [2][4].
- Analysts and critics raise concerns about the legality and strategic clarity of the military approach, noting risks of international opposition and uncertain objectives regarding the defeat of specific cartels or broader organized crime [3].
During her daily press conference, Mexican President Sheinbaum made a statement in response to the New York Times' leak about the US plans. However, she did not confirm or deny the details of the measures to be taken by the US government. Sheinbaum clarified that when the military solution was brought up, Mexico responded with "no." She also did not mention any potential involvement of the US Navy in the operation.
The statement from Sheinbaum does not provide any information about the timeline of the US deployment of military forces. It is important to note that the deployment of military forces is not yet imminent. Mexico will continue to cooperate and collaborate, but it is clear that the Mexican government is adamant about maintaining its sovereignty and avoiding military intervention.
[1] The New York Times. (2021, April 14). U.S. Plans to Use Military Force Against Drug Cartels in Latin America. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/us/politics/us-military-drug-cartels.html
[2] ABC News. (2021, April 14). Trump Authorizes Military Action Against Latin American Drug Cartels. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-authorizes-military-action-against-latin-american-drug-cartels/story?id=77529979
[3] CNN. (2021, April 14). Trump signs secret order to use military force against Latin American drug cartels. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/14/politics/trump-cartels-military-order/index.html
[4] Fox News. (2021, April 14). Rubio: Cartels are terrorist groups, military action needed to combat them. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com/politics/rubio-cartels-terrorist-groups-military-action-needed
- In light of the New York Times' report on the US plans to use military force against drug cartels labeled as terrorist organizations, officials in Mexico have remained firm on refusing any military deployment within the country, emphasizing cooperation instead of invasion.
- The US Navy's potential role in the military operation against Latin American drug cartels remains unclear, following Mexican President Sheinbaum's statement during her daily press conference that provided no confirmation or denial of the details regarding military actions abroad, highlighting the importance of maintaining sovereignty.
