CIA escalates war against drug cartels inside Mexico

2026-05-13 08:35:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

A covert operation linked to the Central Intelligence Agency has raised alarm in Mexico, as recent reports reveal that the US agency has significantly expanded its activities against drug cartels within Mexican territory, including deadly operations.

According to sources cited by American media, the CIA has participated in a covert campaign to target criminal networks linked to the most powerful drug cartels in Mexico, including the Sinaloa cartel and other groups declared terrorist organizations by the administration of President Donald Trump.

One of the most high-profile incidents occurred on March 28, when a vehicle exploded on a highway near the Mexican capital, instantly killing Francisco Beltran, known as “El Payin,” a suspected mid-level operative of the Sinaloa Cartel. According to reports, an explosive device was placed inside the vehicle and the operation was allegedly coordinated with support from the CIA.

Sources told CNN that the US agency has significantly increased its involvement in direct attacks against cartel members, moving from providing intelligence support to actively participating in assassination operations.

However, the Mexican government has reacted strongly to these reports. Mexico's Security Secretary, Omar Garcia Harfuch, stated that authorities "categorically reject any allegations of unilateral foreign operations on national territory."

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also stressed that no US agency can operate freely in Mexico without federal authorization, warning that such activities could violate Mexican law.

The report suggests that the new US strategy is part of a more aggressive policy by the Trump administration against drug trafficking and cartels, which Washington considers a direct threat to US national security.

CIA operations are believed to have focused not only on top cartel leaders, but also on mid-level members and the logistical structures that support international drug trafficking.

Analysts warn that the escalation of covert operations could increase tensions between the US and Mexico, as well as trigger violent retaliation from the cartels, which have a wide reach on both sides of the border./ CNA