ISTANBUL

The Trump administration is planning a new covert mission involving US troops and intelligence officers to target drug cartels inside Mexico, according to a report by NBC News citing current and former US officials familiar with the matter.

Officials said the plan could include limited ground operations and drone strikes against cartel leaders and drug laboratories. The mission is expected to be conducted under US intelligence authority — specifically under Title 50 authorities, which govern covert operations — with possible participation from the CIA and the Joint Special Operations Command.

Preliminary training for the potential mission is already underway, but officials emphasized that no deployment to Mexico is planned at this stage. Talks about the mission’s scale and timing are continuing, and a final decision has yet to be made. The White House has not yet commented on the report.

A senior US official said, “The Trump administration is committed to utilizing an all-of-government approach to address the threats cartels pose to American citizens.”

NBC News reported that if approved, the operation would represent the latest escalation in Trump’s campaign against what he calls “narco-terrorists.” Trump has described cartel activities as “a threat to national security,” arguing that traditional law enforcement measures have failed to stop the flow of narcotics into the US.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum voiced opposition to any potential US intervention, saying her country “rejects any form of intervention or interference,” and adding that “Mexico coordinates and collaborates, but does not subordinate itself.” While Washington’s preference is reportedly to carry out the operation in coordination with the Mexican government, officials have not ruled out proceeding without such cooperation.

In February, the US State Department designated several Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, granting intelligence agencies broader legal authority to conduct covert operations.

Trump has for months been expanding US military operations across Latin America, deploying Marines, warships, fighter and bomber jets, submarines, and drones. The USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier is reportedly heading to the Caribbean as part of this buildup.

Recent months have also seen the US military destroy several Venezuelan fishing boats allegedly carrying drugs, though no public evidence was provided. Trump has also threatened action against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, accusing him of involvement in drug trafficking.

In an interview aired Sunday by CBS’s 60 Minutes, Trump said he does not believe he will go to war with Venezuela but suggested that Maduro’s “days are numbered.”

Trump’s continued use of military strikes against suspected drug targets has drawn criticism from both parties in Congress, including Republican Senator Rand Paul, who called the approach “callous” and pledged to reintroduce a resolution to limit the president’s authority.

Trump has continued to carry out strikes on vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean that he and his senior officials allege are involved in transporting drugs to the US. He has also threatened to carry out action against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, accusing him of being involved in drug trade.

Trump has for months been building up US forces in Latin America to include Marines, warships, fighter and bomber jets, submarines and drones. The USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier is also on its way to the Caribbean.