US war on drug cartels heats up with CIA considering lethal force on gangsters

NewsLatest NewsCartelsThe agency is considering what kinds of activities it could legally undertake to deal with cartels amid Trump’s plans to clamp down on themNewsRebecca Whalley18:12, 07 Apr 2025The CIA is reviewing its use of lethal force against drug cartels amid President Trump’s move to make tackling them an intelligence priority.The agency is considering what kinds of activities it could legally undertake to deal with the groups, but the review does not indicate that Trump has ordered the CIA to take direct action against the cartels, CNN reported.‌Article continues belowIt is also designed to help understand the potential risks across their range of options, according to a US official and three people briefed on the matter. The move suggests that the Trump administration is seriously considering the possibility of using force against cartels.It also highlights some US officials’ concerns that traditional counterterrorism tools against cartels can carry a higher risk of collate...