"We know where you sleep" being the primary message. For now.
That's the evaluation over at Task and Purpose today, on why exactly the NYTimes broke a story recently of the CIA targeting border cartel positions with Reaper drones. On surveillance mode of course. For now.
QuoteCIA-operated Predator drones are now conducting surveillance flights over Mexico, providing intelligence reports to Mexican authorities meanwhile U.S. Special Forces just landed inside Mexico for joint training operations. The Mexican military is deploying 10,000 troops along key border cities. A ton is happening very quickly that marks a significant shift in the response against drug cartels. I've consolidated all the information you need about the steps being taken, the effects they are having, and the response from the cartel.
The author's estimate (whose name I've forgotten, sorry) is that this was leaked through the NYT on purpose by the CIA to send a message to the carts in case they happened not to get the memo yet: soft power is droning over you now. But soft power can carry hellfire(s). Make smart life choices while life remains.
Bonus implied thread: RC-135s have joined the chat! 30 analysts and code-breakers on each flight, processing data to send to a new Joint Task Force HQ set up near the border where "action plans" are made. Flying over those? -- new to the region U2s on loiter!
Did I mention the spec-ops going over the border into Mexico now for direct operational intelligence gathering?