DEA officials proposed military strikes against drug cartels in Mexico

Officials with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposed military strikes against drug cartel targets in Mexico earlier this year, raising concerns among White House and Pentagon officials, according to sources who spoke with the Washington Post.

The discussions began approximately one month into the Trump Administration, following President Trump"s designation of several drug cartels and criminal gangs in Latin America as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. DEA officials suggested conducting strikes against cartel leadership and infrastructure in Mexico.

Derek S. Maltz, the Acting Administrator of the DEA at the time, expressed support for targeting production labs and cartel leaders in Mexico. He stated, "The cartels have killed more Americans than any terrorist organization in the history of America, so they need to be held accountable." Maltz acknowledged the efforts of the Mexican Government under President Claudia Sheinbaum, noting significant arrests and seizures that have disrupted cartel operations, but emphasized that "there must be way more done to stop them."

For related coverage, see recent developments in U.S. government designations.

Image for DEA officials proposed military strikes against drug cartels in Mexico