They are better armed than most people think.
Small arms up to 50 caliber weapons by the 10s of thousands that have been smuggled from the US into Mexico. There are videos of them using some type of belt fed automatic weapon mounted to a "Narco Tank" against the Military.
They definitely have drones. Look at the success Ukraine has had in turning hobby drones into tank killers. They were at CES in Vegas this year showing off what they can do. I am 100% positive they have similar capabilities.
There are also reports of military grade shoulder fired anti tank and anti aircraft weapons including javelins, anti personnel mines, and anti vehicle mines. A little skeptical on the javelins but they found and ISIS cell with one so anything is possible. But that being said they could get their hands on small arms available to the militaries of Central and South America, Iran, and Russia. It wouldn't surprise me if the were able to get their hands on Chinese military equipment as well. They would definitely be equipped as well as any clandestine special forces group we sent down there.
Would they be able to stop us. Probably not be they would definatley be able to stop us some of the time and they have a steady revenue stream from the US and South and Central America so they would be able to continue to purchase weapons for an extended period of time.
Here's something to contemplate.
Had a long chat today with a buddy of mine who is former AF guy that used to support Fresh's guys.
Back in the Taliban days- the government put a bounty out on the top 25 or so terrorists in the network.
So let's say I'm walking though the Galleria one day and look up and there he is-- Bin Laden. I know it's him. 100%. I walk over to him, brandish my piece and put a bullet in his head.
What happens to me?
I get the bounty. I get a medal. They change President's Day to Clob Day. I never pay income taxes again. Free beer for life. I'm a hero.
But let's say it's not Bin Laden..... It's Mohammad al Derka-Derka. Now Mohammad is still a bad guy. He's ranked like in the top 75 of the most wanted terrorists. Armed and dangerous. I do the same thing- pop the guy.
What happens to me now?
Medal? Parade? Beer? Maybe not.
Now let's do cartel members.
El Chapo is walking through the Galleria. I recognize him. 100%. I put a bullet in him. He's numero uno on the terrorist cartel FBI most wanted list. I get my medal. My reward money. Invited to the Whitehouse for Big Macs. It's all good.
But let's say it's Javier MAL Verde. He's number 179 on the FBI most wanted list. If I put a bullet in him, am I a hero? Or do I get prosecuted?
What if it's a dude that is definitely cartel but NOT on the top 200 list?
I live in north San Antonio now. I go out to dinner ALL the time and see dudes in white snakeskin boots, silver concho belts, wearing a sport coat to cover the 1911A they got tucked in their wasteline. I KNOW these guys are associated with the cartel. They hang out at fvcking J Prime and Eddie V's. They live in Stone Oak and the Dominion. Their kids go to Reagan HS. The kids drive fvcking G-wagons.
How far does this "we are going to war with the cartels" thing extend?
Can John Q Citizen get involved without fear of repercussions from the justice system?
What if I SEE a drug deal going down? If I jump out of my truck and smoke them all am I in trouble?
Don't get me wrong- I'm not loading up in the land-rover and going out spot lighting every night. But dude, San Antonio is shady as fvck. There's drugs everywhere. There's cartel dudes everywhere. Someone is going to be put in a situation at some point-