Authority and Designations
Colby Jenkins, assistant defense secretary for special operations, stated that Trump's designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations doesn't grant the U.S. military authority for drone strikes in Mexico.
Despite the designation, Jenkins emphasized its role in enhancing a broader government approach to combat the drug issue, without directly enabling military action.
Surveillance and Future Actions
U.S. Northern Command has ramped up surveillance flights and drone monitoring over Mexico, aiming to track drug cartels and fentanyl movement, as part of enhanced border protection efforts.
Gen. Gregory Guillot expressed intentions to seek expanded congressional authority for more integrated operations with Mexican special forces, highlighting a strategic shift in addressing drug trafficking.