The US military has ramped up surveillance of Mexican drug cartels, conducting at least 18 missions over two weeks in late January and early February.

This marks a significant increase from the usual monthly surveillance, with sophisticated planes like Navy P-8s and a U-2 spy plane involved.

These flights, focusing on the US-Mexico border and surrounding areas, reflect a shift in military priorities as President Trump aims to secure the border and combat cartel drug smuggling, CNN has reported.

The missions also extend into Mexican airspace, collecting intelligence on cartel operations.

Written by B.C. Begley