​The CIA is currently evaluating its legal authority to conduct drone strikes against Mexican drug cartels, following the Trump administration's designation of several cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This designation potentially expands the CIA's counterterrorism tools, allowing for covert operations similar to those used against groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS. While no drone strikes have been ordered yet, the CIA has been conducting surveillance flights over Mexico with the country's approval, gathering intelligence on cartel operations. The administration is exploring the use of Title 50 to authorize covert CIA missions, which would bypass the need for military engagement under Title 10.

However, this potential shift in U.S. strategy has raised concerns in Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly stated that Mexico would reject any unilateral military action by the United States on its soil, emphasizing that such measures would not solve the issue of drug trafficking and would violate Mexico's sovereignty. Additionally, a top Pentagon official clarified that the U.S. military lacks the authority to carry out drone strikes against drug cartels in Mexico, despite the FTO designation. The official noted that while the designation supports a broader governmental strategy against drug trafficking, it does not legally grant the military strike capabilities.


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CIA is reviewing its authorities to use lethal force against drug cartels | CNN Politics

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