The CIA has intensified its covert war against Mexican drug cartels, with a recent targeted killing of Francisco Beltran, also known as ‘El Payin,’ a mid-level member of the Sinaloa Cartel. A bomb hidden in his vehicle detonated on March 28, killing him and his driver instantly — Mexican authorities have remained secretive about the incident, but multiple sources told CNN that the attack was facilitated by CIA operatives. The US government has dismissed reports of an assassination campaign.

CIA Campaign Expands in Mexico

According to sources familiar with the campaign, the CIA’s elite Ground Branch has been directly involved in deadly attacks on several cartel members since last year. These operations have seen a significant increase in lethality, one source said — President Donald Trump has classified several of these groups as foreign terrorist organizations, stating they are at war with the United States.

The recent attack on Beltran marks a new phase in the CIA’s strategy; While previous operations may have focused on surveillance and intelligence gathering, the agency has now moved to direct action. The Mexican government has not officially commented on the incident, but the State of Mexico’s Attorney General confirmed to CNN that an explosive device was used in the attack.

US Foreign Policy and Venezuela

Meanwhile, the Trump administration is reportedly considering new actions against Venezuela, where the term ‘Cartel de los Soles’ is used to describe high-ranking military officers and officials involved in drug trafficking, corruption, and other illicit activities. The term originated in the 1990s and has since expanded to include police and government figures under both Hugo Chavez and Nicolás Maduro.

Unnamed US officials told Reuters that Washington is ready to launch a new phase of operations in the region, though the timing and scope remain unclear. A senior administration official said officials would not rule out any options regarding Venezuela, as Covert operations are likely to be the first step, with possible attempts to overthrow Maduro under consideration.

United Nations officials and international law scholars have criticized the US strikes on boats in the region, stating they violate both US and international law and amount to extrajudicial executions. More than 80 people have been killed in such strikes, according to reports; a strike on Venezuelan soil would be a major escalation in the ongoing US operation, Al Jazeera reported.

Reactions and Controversy

The CIA’s increased lethality in Mexico has sparked controversy; Mexican authorities have not confirmed the CIA’s involvement, but the secrecy surrounding the attack suggests an external hand. The Trump administration has not officially commented on the Beltran operation but has rejected broader reports of an assassination campaign, according to CNN.

The administration’s actions in Venezuela have also drawn criticism, and a strike on the country would represent a significant escalation in the administration’s efforts to pressure Maduro. The use of the term ‘Cartel de los Soles’ highlights the extent of corruption and drug trafficking within the Venezuelan military and government.