CIA evaluates use of lethal force against Mexican cartels after declaring them terrorists

The CIA is evaluating for the first time in years its authority to execute lethal actions against cartel leaders abroad, including fentanyl traffickers in Mexico. The analysis arises after the government of Donald Trump declared eight Latin American cartels as terrorists, opening the legal door to covert operations. The targets are clear: the Sinaloa Cartel and the CJNG.

The new powers would allow the CIA to carry out selective elimination actions under Title 50. Without the need for formal military intervention or Congressional approval.
The use of armed drones and special commands is already on the table. Meanwhile Mexico, as always, watches… or cooperates in silence.

American drones in the Mexican sky

Currently, CIA drones are already conducting surveillance in Mexico with the government's consent. President Claudia Sheinbaum admitted that “there is nothing illegal” in these flights.
A statement that, far from reassuring, confirms that national sovereignty is negotiable for the 4T.

CIA evaluates use of lethal force against Mexican cartels after declaring them terrorists

Instead of categorically rejecting this policy of foreign force, the Mexican administration seems more concerned about not upsetting Washington. The national territory thus becomes a field of observation… and possibly of fire.

Narco-terrorism: the narrative that prepares the war

With the designation of the cartels as terrorist organizations, the logic of combat changes. It is no longer about anti-drug cooperation, but about national security operations from the U.S.
The CIA would have free rein to execute without local coordination.

Republican legislators and intelligence officials are already pushing to act.
The failed Mexican policies only reinforce the narrative of intervention. Meanwhile Sheinbaum signs bilateral agreements, the White House prepares unilateral strategies.

Sovereignty in exchange for simulation

The inability of the Mexican State to combat the narco is generating external consequences. The void left by institutional inaction is now filled by satellites, drones, and international pressure.

If the military strategy materializes, Mexico could see foreign operations within its own soil. All, for a government that preferred hugs and speeches instead of exercising power.

CIA evaluates use of lethal force against Mexican cartels after declaring them terrorists

Meanwhile the cartels expand to Oceania, the DEA tracks them across four continents, the CIA plans how to eliminate them… and the Mexican government can't even locate them.