The Military Command Behind Mexico's Violent Drug War

[douglas9]

As drug war violence in Mexico continues to increase, the US military has taken a more active and stronger role inside the country, providing the Mexican armed forces with equipment, training, and classified intelligence to fight the narcotics trade. Behind all of this is the US Northern Command (NORTHCOM), a military unit created in 2002 for homeland defense missions.

With an alliance of the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, NORTHCOM “consolidates under a single unified command of existing missions that were previously executed by other Department of Defense organizations,” according to the unit’s website. Despite being created shortly after the September 11 attacks with a focus on homeland security, in the last few years NORTHCOM has taken a specific interest in Mexico and the drug war, and may be looking to expand it operations.

Last May, at NORTHCOM headquarters on Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen compared the challenges facing Mexico with what was happening in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying that “I also think there are wonderful opportunities to strengthen the relationship between our countries and between our militaries.”

http://www.narconews.com/Issue67/article4241.html

[saigon68]

1. also think there are wonderful opportunities to strengthen the relationship

Read--- More CORPORATE bonding for profits for the ruling elite

[bemildred]

2. Oh good, a guerilla war right next door. nt