The CIA is currently reviewing its authorities to use lethal force against drug cartels in Mexico and other regions, as the Trump administration moves to prioritize cracking down on cartels. This review, which aims to clarify the legal boundaries and risks associated with such operations, is part of an effort to better understand what actions the agency can take and the potential consequences of using lethal force against these organizations.
Although the review does not suggest President Donald Trump has authorized direct CIA action against the cartels, it reflects growing concerns within the administration about the increasing threat posed by drug trafficking organizations. The review underscores the administration’s desire to utilize counterterrorism tools traditionally employed against military targets, including surveillance drones, against cartels. However, U.S. officials are cautious about the risks involved, particularly the potential for collateral damage to American citizens.
The CIA has already been flying surveillance drones over Mexico, and while some of these are capable of being armed, there is concern about the unintended consequences of engaging in direct military-like operations on U.S. soil’s borders. Agency officials are grappling with the legal and ethical implications, particularly if an American citizen were to be harmed during an operation. The legal review is examining the potential liability of CIA officers and how far the agency can go under international law and U.S. policies.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration designated several Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a designation that some believe lays the groundwork for future lethal action. While this could give the CIA a clearer mandate for more aggressive operations, officials are cautious about the broader implications. They are carefully considering the consequences of escalating operations on U.S. soil, with some former officials raising concerns about the potential blowback from such a shift in policy.
“It’s not just about whether something is legal under the law of armed conflict,” said one former CIA official with experience in these matters. “It’s also about the ethics and practical ramifications of taking these kinds of actions.” These considerations highlight the complexities involved in applying military tools to the fight against cartels.
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