URGENT UPDATE: Mexican opposition leader Alejandro Moreno Cardenas has just called for immediate joint operations with the United States to dismantle drug cartels wreaking havoc in Mexico. Speaking to journalist Ciro Gomez, the PRI party leader emphasized, “We need to destroy cartels because they are destroying our country,” highlighting the necessity for U.S. support.
Moreno Cardenas pointedly questioned, “Who has the technology? Who has the equipment? Who has the capacity? The U.S. government.” This call for collaboration comes as Mexico grapples with escalating cartel violence and the ongoing fentanyl crisis.
In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum has acknowledged the potential for cooperation but remains firm against allowing U.S. troops on Mexican soil. During her daily briefing, she revealed that former President Donald Trump recently reiterated an offer for military support, which she promptly rejected. “Organized crime cannot be equated to terrorism,” she stated, emphasizing Mexico’s sovereignty.
In a context of rising tensions, a recent report from The New York Times indicates that while the Trump administration has proposed sending forces to assist in raids on suspected fentanyl labs, Mexican officials are under immense pressure to negotiate a more effective strategy. The report also noted that the CIA is currently conducting secret drone flights over Mexico to locate potential drug production sites. This intelligence is being shared with Mexican forces, many of whom have received training from U.S. counterparts for executing raids.
Despite this, the U.S. is advocating for a more direct role, suggesting that American forces accompany their Mexican counterparts during operations while maintaining that the latter would still lead. This proposal surfaces as discussions gain traction following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3, amplifying the urgency of addressing regional drug trafficking.
Mexican officials face a daunting challenge as they navigate complex negotiations while combating the powerful cartels. The push for drone strikes against fentanyl labs presents additional complications, as locating and destroying these facilities proves increasingly difficult. Current strategies are evolving, with U.S. officials advocating for enhanced information sharing and a more significant presence in command centers.
As the situation develops, the stakes have never been higher for both nations. The urgency for a united front against the cartels is palpable, with the future of countless lives hanging in the balance. The call for action by Moreno Cardenas could reshape the landscape of U.S.-Mexico relations in the fight against drug trafficking.
Stay tuned for more updates as this critical story unfolds.
