The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States has begun to implement surveillance drones in the fight against Mexican cartels, a common practice in anti-terrorism operations in countries like Syria, Iraq, and Somalia. According to official sources revealed to CNN, covert missions have been initiated with MQ-9 Reaper drones over Mexican territory in collaboration with Mexican authorities.
In a CNN report by Natasha Bertrand, Katie Bo Lillis, and Zachary Cohen, it is detailed that these operations are part of a strategy under the administration of Donald Trump to direct national security resources toward the southern border of the United States. The previously undisclosed missions indicate an increase in measures against drug cartels, which could be designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government.
Although the MQ-9 Reaper drones currently in use are not armed, they have the capacity to be equipped with payloads for precision attacks. Recent flights have been reported to the United States Congress under a reserved procedure for new or updated covert programs, suggesting a significant escalation in these operations.
Despite the CIA not making specific comments regarding these missions, a spokesperson for the agency mentioned to CNN that combating the drug cartels is a strategic priority under the direction of Director John Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe, according to the statement, is committed to using the CIA's unique expertise in this multifaceted and complex challenge.
