Although Mexican government officials are downplaying the possibility, the likelihood of Donald Trump ordering U.S. military action against Mexican drug cartels seems to grow more plausible as the presidential inauguration approaches.
It appears highly probable that, shortly after taking office, Trump will issue an executive order designating Mexico’s cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This designation would grant him quasi-legal authority to deploy military force in Mexico for “national security” purposes without requiring Congressional approval.
While many analysts believe Trump will only use the threat of military action as another bargaining chip with Mexico, many of his closest collaborators may be more willing to take the risk and push him to act.
The military strategies could include missile or drone strikes targeting drug labs and other cartel infrastructure or special forces deployments using elite units to eliminate cartel leaders.
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