CIA officials in Mexico are sharing information gathered by drones with Mexican officials, according to President Donald Trump. The missions of covert flights with drones and military aircraft over Mexican airspace and along the border have been justified by Trump, arguing that drug cartels "largely control" Mexico. He offered assistance to Claudia Sheinbaum's administration to combat this situation.
"We have a very good relationship with Mexico, but I think Mexico is largely controlled by the cartels, and it's sad to say. But Mexico, if we look at what has happened over the years, especially now, is being run by the cartels, and they have allowed millions of people to come into our country from prisons and jails in other countries," Trump expressed.
Trump reacted from his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, to the revelations about the CIA and Pentagon's covert flights over Mexico and the border to gather intelligence on the cartels and fentanyl labs. Various media reported that the drones used are MQ-9 Reapers, which, while having offensive missile capabilities, are unarmed and not planned to be used for military purposes in Mexican territory.
"For now, CIA officials in Mexico are passing information gathered by drones to Mexican officials," stated a U.S. official to the New York Times. The increase in these drone flights has been described as a quick first step.
According to reports, the drones have been effective in identifying fentanyl labs thanks to the chemical emissions these facilities produce. The MQ-9 Reaper has been used in various conflicts and operations around the world, being one of the most advanced drones for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and surgical strikes against terrorist groups.
The covert drone program, which began under the Biden administration, has not been authorized to carry out lethal actions, and it is not expected to be used for airstrikes. Both Trump and CIA Director John Ratcliffe have promised more intense measures against Mexican drug cartels, offering assistance if needed.
