The Trump administration is pushing for its forces to accompany Mexican counterparts in raids on suspected fentanyl labs, according to a new report.
The New York Times detailed that the administration first made such a request since early last year but then dropped it. However, the topic has been brought back to the conversation following the capture of Venezuela's authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has repeatedly rejected such requests. Earlier this week she said that U.S. counterpart Donald Trump suggested the possibility. She said that, asides from rejecting allowing U.S. troops in the country, she told Trump that organized crime can't be equated to terrorism and Mexico rejects any action that amounts to an intervention in the country.
"He understood, he was very kind," Sheinbaum said during a passage of the conference. She added that Trump recognized her administration's work in matters of security but noted that more can be done. "What's important is continue maintaining respect and collaboration," Sheinbaum added.
Elsewhere in the report, the NYT noted that officials have instead offered alternatives such as increased information sharing and for the U.S. to play a greater role inside command centers.
Mexican officials, the outlet added, are under pressure to reach an agreement, and some in the U.S. want to conduct drone strikes against suspected drug labs. However, fentanyl labs are difficult to find and destroy, and forces are still developing ways to do so.
Right now, the CIA is carrying secret drone flights over Mexico to identify possible locations. The intelligence is then given to Mexican forces, many of whom have been trained by U.S. counterparts to execute and conduct raids.
However, now Washington has proposed for forces to join the raids and provide support even if Mexican forces continue taking the lead and making key decision.
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