Overview
- NBC News, citing current and former U.S. officials, reports the administration is evaluating a clandestine operation to send special operators and intelligence personnel into Mexico to target drug cartels with armed drones.
- Officials say preliminary training for a possible mission has started and could involve limited ground operations, but no deployment has been ordered and action is not imminent.
- Planning envisions using Title 50 authorities with Joint Special Operations Command elements operating under CIA direction rather than an overt Pentagon-led campaign.
- The preference is to coordinate with Mexico, yet officials have not ruled out operating without Mexican consent if a mission proceeds.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum responded that such an intervention will not occur, reiterating Mexico's stance of collaboration without subordination.