Trump's Secret War? Military Action Against Latin American Cartels!
Trump's Controversial Move: Military Action Against Cartels
Reports are surfacing that former US President Donald Trump secretly authorized military action against Latin American drug cartels, designating them as foreign terrorist organizations. This controversial decision, as reported by the New York Times, potentially allows US forces to directly engage with these cartels, particularly those involved in trafficking drugs like fentanyl across the US-Mexico border.
A source close to the White House, as quoted by the New York Post, stated that Trump was determined to “completely destroy” Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s Cartel de Los Soles and obliterate their operations in the Western Hemisphere. This reflects a broader US strategy to combat what they perceive as narco-terrorism, accusing the Venezuelan regime of alliances with groups like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel.
Coordinated Effort Across Departments
The anti-cartel effort involves coordination between multiple US departments, including the Department of Defense, Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Treasury. Deputy White House press secretary Anna Kelly emphasized that protecting the homeland was Trump's top priority, leading to the designation of several cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
Mexico's Response
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to the reports by stating that the U.S. military would not be entering Mexican territory. This suggests ongoing negotiations and potentially strained relations between the two countries regarding the approach to combating drug cartels. The situation remains fluid, and the long-term implications of this authorized military action are yet to be seen.
- Potential for increased violence along the US-Mexico border.
- Impact on diplomatic relations between the US and Latin American countries.
- Effectiveness of military action in dismantling drug cartels.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging situation regarding drug trafficking and security in the region. Whether this approach will yield the desired results remains to be seen, and its impact on the broader geopolitical landscape is worth monitoring.