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US spy plane conducts mission in Gulf of California, monitoring Sinaloa Cartel activities
Last week, a spy plane from United States Air Force (USA) carried out a mysterious mission over the Gulf of California, near Mexico, generating speculation about the nature of the operation.
The aircraft, a RC-135 Rivet Joint, took off from Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska on Monday, moving southwest toward California before turning south past the coast of Baja California and into the Gulf of California region.
The mission followed a strategic route, without entering Mexican territorial waters, remaining in international airspace.
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The area in question, however, is under the strong influence of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.
The region has been a focus of constant tension between the US and Mexico, due to drug trafficking and illegal immigration, sensitive issues that affect relations between the two countries.
The US Spy Plane: Operation Rivet Joint
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is a reconnaissance aircraft specialized in intelligence operations, with advanced capabilities to intercept communications and conduct electronic surveillance.
It is used to conduct reconnaissance flights and collect real-time data, which can be crucial for military or national security operations.
The device can “detect, identify and geolocate signals”, allowing precise monitoring of activities on the ground, especially in high-risk areas, such as those dominated by drug trafficking.
The flight generated speculation that the US was using the plane to intercept communications related to drug trafficking or even to monitor the movements of the Sinaloa Cartel.
This operation occurs in a context of increased smuggling of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other illicit substances from Mexico, which is causing a serious opioid crisis in the United States.
Furthermore, the flight took place at a time of negotiations between US President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum over control of immigration and drug trafficking.
Sinaloa Cartel and security attacks
The Sinaloa Cartel is considered one of the most sophisticated organizations in the world, operating not only in Mexico but also in various parts of the US and other countries.
Its influence in the Gulf of California region has raised concerns on both sides of the border. In the current context, the cartel has been one of the main drivers of drug distribution in the United States, directly affecting public health and safety.
Relations between the two countries, already strained by issues such as drug trafficking and illegal immigration, were recently marked by a truce in Trump's tariff threats after Mexico agreed to take stricter measures to control immigration and drug trafficking.
As part of the agreement, Mexico is committed to sending 10.000 National Guard members to reinforce border security.
Political and military repercussions
The flight of the US RC-135 Rivet Joint spy plane and the recent transfer of US troops and military assets indicate an intensification of US involvement in security issues on the southern border.
The US Air Force has not revealed full details of the mission, but sources indicate that the aircraft was used to “ISR flights” (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), collecting crucial information for military and intelligence operations.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Defense is increasing the number of intelligence officers and soldiers deployed to the region, with an additional 500 soldiers being sent to support border security training, and 140 military intelligence officers also assigned to the mission.
This increase in troop numbers reflects growing concerns about security in the region, especially regarding arms and drug trafficking.
The situation remains tense and, with the support of operations such as RC-135, the US is strengthening its surveillance of the activities of the Poster of Sinaloa, maintaining pressure on Mexico to increase control over its territory.
With information Dailymail.
