An operation targeting Tren de Aragua sends a stern message to Mexico 

The U.S. anti-drug strategy has taken an unprecedented turn. The killing in Venezuela of Hector “El Niño” Guerrero — the alleged top leader of Tren de Aragua gang — triggered a direct message to Mexico, a country that has opposed similar operations on its territory.

Mexico has cited sovereignty but revealed serious doubts about its commitment to fighting drug trafficking. President Trump, meanwhile, publicly celebrated the operation, calling it “a swift and lethal kinetic strike” against the leader of “one of the most bloodthirsty Terrorist Organizations on Planet Earth.”

And it is not just Trump. All the relevant authorities dealing with security issues have reinforced the new strategy against drug cartels. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was categorical in stating that they are fighting drug cartels as terrorist organizations in partnership with friendly countries in the region under the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, which was announced in March.

Hegseth said the drug cartels are criminal organizations and will be treated as such through the coalition. “We’re forming it with partner governments all around Central and South America to go after, defeat, and destroy foreign terrorist organizations, drug cartels.” 

Drug Enforcement Administration head Terrance Cole called Guerrero’s death a significant setback for Tren de Aragua. 

“He........

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