Part 3/15:
However, an alternative, more alarming interpretation is emerging. Some analysts and former officials believe these increased missions could be preparing the U.S. for potential direct military action against cartel nodes or labs, especially as President Trump has previously floated ideas of striking cartel laboratories or deploying special forces. The designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. indicates a growing willingness to escalate military interventions, though Pentagon officials maintain that current roles are supportive, with no confirmed active operations inside Mexico.