Data from the civilian flight tracking website FlightRadar24 reveals that a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone, designated TROY701, flew approximately 965 km into Mexican airspace on 13/8.

The drone then loitered over an area west of Mexico City. Approximately six hours after takeoff, the MQ-9's transponder was switched off, and it disappeared from online tracking systems.

Omar Garcia Harfuch, head of Mexico's Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection, stated that the MQ-9 was operating at the request of the Mexican government, but did not provide further details. The CBP has not commented on the information.

Flight path of the US drone designated TROY701 on 13/8. Graphic: FlightRadar24.

Analysts suggest the area where the MQ-9 loitered is a known operational area of La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM), a notorious cartel sanctioned by Washington in 2021 for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and synthetic drugs into the US.

In April, US authorities issued warrants for the arrest of two LNFM leaders, offering a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of Johnny Hurtado Olascoaga and $3 million for Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga.

"Based on geolocation, the MQ-9 operated in an area with a significant LNFM presence, and it's highly likely the drone was targeting a high-value individual or locations associated with the group," assessed Natsecboogie, an open-source intelligence group that monitors cartels and armed groups.

Stefano Ritondale, intelligence director at Artorias, acknowledged the difficulty in assessing the MQ-9's exact target. "It's possible the drone was targeting a senior member of a cartel's leadership, particularly LNFM, or someone on a most-wanted list," he said.

Howard Altman, editor of the US military website War Zone, hypothesized that the MQ-9 might have been in the area to prepare for a large-scale multinational operation, involving multiple US and Mexican agencies. US Reapers have operated in Mexican airspace with the country's approval, though such flights are uncommon.

A CBP MQ-9 drone. Photo: CBP.

The CBP currently operates three unarmed MQ-9s, retaining their advanced surveillance systems, including synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical, and infrared sensors.

The flight occurred a week after US media reported that former President Donald Trump had "secretly signed a directive authorizing the Pentagon to conduct military operations against several Latin American drug cartels designated as terrorists by Washington."

The directive was considered the Trump administration's most aggressive step in its campaign against drug cartels, providing the basis for potential maritime and overseas operations targeting these organizations.

Nguyen Tien (According to War Zone, AFP, AP)