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From the Caribbean to Jalisco, Trump Takes Aim at Cartels — But Will He Strike the Kingpins?

Soldiers of the Mexican Army stand guard as they secure an area during a military operation in Culiacan, Sinaloa State, Mexico, on September 19, 2024
DEEP DIVE — Eight weeks ago, Secretary of State Marco Rubio went to Mexico City, the epicenter of the global illegal drug trade, and declared, “The president of the United States is going to wage war [...] More

Can the CIA and U.S. military stop the Mexican cartels? 

Can the CIA and U.S. military stop the Mexican cartels? 
CIPHER BRIEF REPORTING — On January 20, the first day of his second term, President Donald Trump formally labeled Mexico’s crime cartels as international terrorists. Last month, in a sharp break from [...] More

More from Elaine Shannon

Trump Administration Says Narco-Trafficking is #1 Threat - and Tries All-Hands Approach to Stop It

Trump Administration Says Narco-Trafficking is #1 Threat - and Tries All-Hands Approach to Stop It

Experts are divided on whether a military approach can make a difference [...] More
Russia’s Billion-Dollar ‘Shadow Fleet’

Russia’s Billion-Dollar ‘Shadow Fleet’

Russia has used aging vessels to navigate around western sanctions - and keep cash pouring in to the Kremlin [...] More
In Syria Rebellion, Questions for Assad, the US and the Middle East

In Syria Rebellion, Questions for Assad, the US and the Middle East

A sudden threat to the Assad regime is one more seismic moment for the region [...] More
Inside Iran’s Alleged Plots to Kill Donald Trump

Inside Iran’s Alleged Plots to Kill Donald Trump

What we know – and don’t know – about Tehran’s assassination missions. [...] More
North Korean Deployment Sparks Fears of Escalation – Even ‘World War’ – in Ukraine

North Korean Deployment Sparks Fears of Escalation – Even ‘World War’ – in Ukraine

No other country has sent ground forces to fight in Ukraine. Experts fear others might follow. [...] More
Behind the U.S. Letter – and Ultimatum – To Israel

Behind the U.S. Letter – and Ultimatum – To Israel

It’s an unprecedented set of demands and deadlines from Washington. Will it make a difference in Gaza? [...] More
US Intelligence: Russia, China and Iran in Election Propaganda Blitz

US Intelligence: Russia, China and Iran in Election Propaganda Blitz

Officials see a range of election interference ploys - some aimed at Trump, some at Harris, and most just looking to disrupt and divide. [...] More
After Nasrallah Assassination, Hezbollah and Israel Face Uncharted Territory

After Nasrallah Assassination, Hezbollah and Israel Face Uncharted Territory

Can a battered Hezbollah strike back? And what will Iran do next? [...] More
A Russian Intel Unit's Journey - From Hit Squad to 'Geek Squad'

A Russian Intel Unit's Journey - From Hit Squad to 'Geek Squad'

For decades, Unit 29155 was known for sabotage and assassinations; today it has pivoted to cybercrime [...] More