U.S. Military Preparing Attacks Against Mexican Cartels, Report Says

The U.S. military is reportedly preparing to launch attacks against Mexican cartels as early as mid-September, according to journalist Ken Klippenstein. The plan, still under wraps, has already raised concerns over U.S.-Mexico relations and the potential fallout of unilateral military action.

Military Planning Underway

Three anonymous military sources told Klippenstein that preparations are in motion, though details remain scarce. It is unclear whether American troops would set foot on Mexican soil or if the operations would rely solely on air and drone strikes.

This follows a surge in CIA drone flights over Mexico, aimed at locating fentanyl laboratories, The New York Times reported. The program began during the Biden administration and has recently intensified, suggesting coordination with upcoming military efforts.

Strained U.S.-Mexico Relations

Relations between Washington and Mexico City have faced tension during the early months of Donald Trump’s second term. While there has been cooperation on cartel issues, experts warn unilateral U.S. action could jeopardize that progress.

“Any country would find it inappropriate if foreign soldiers without permission were being actively deployed on their territory,” said Dr. Nathan Jones, associate professor of security studies at Sam Houston State University.

Jones cautioned that cooperation with Mexican security forces could collapse if U.S. troops cross the border. “Is it worth losing Mexico’s support for the sake of one, or even ten, high-value targets?” he asked.

Targets: Cartels Behind Fentanyl

The operations would reportedly focus on major cartels linked to fentanyl trafficking. Unlike al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who lived in isolation, cartel leaders often leave a trail through associates using phones or digital communications, making them easier to track with U.S. intelligence.

Jones noted, “Even ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán had people near him using phones who could be targeted by U.S. signal intelligence. Once the network is identified, leaders can be found.”

Risks of Fragmentation

Experts warn that targeting cartel leaders—known as the “kingpin strategy”—can backfire. Past strikes have fragmented cartels, sparking violent turf wars and predatory crimes against civilians.

“When the kingpin strikes happen, cartels fragment. They fight each other more, turn on the local population, and shift into extortion and other crimes,” Jones explained.

He argued that strengthening Mexico’s state and local law enforcement is critical. “When these lower-level individuals rise to replace captured leaders, they need to be confronted at the ground level by Mexican authorities.”

The Bigger Picture

Despite confidence in America’s ability to win direct clashes, Jones warned success depends on broader strategy.

“I have no doubt that if the United States were to send in special operations raids, they would defeat Mexican cartels wherever they go,” he said. “But it could still be irrelevant to the strategic context. You can win every battle and still lose the war. We saw that in Vietnam.”