Mexico opposes the potential deployment of American military forces against drug gangs. - United States' proposed military action against drug cartels in Mexico met with rejection by Mexican government
The White House, under President Trump, has authorized the Pentagon to prepare and potentially use U.S. military force against Mexican drug cartels[1][2][3]. This move comes after certain cartels were designated as foreign terrorist organizations, giving the military authority to conduct operations on foreign soil, including Mexico.
This directive, reported by major news outlets including The New York Times, has sparked concern in Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum strongly denied and rejected any U.S. military intervention on Mexican soil, emphasizing that the U.S. military would not come into Mexico[1][2].
Mexico has been suffering from the violence of powerful drug cartels for many years. The order regarding the use of military means against cartels did not involve the involvement of military personnel or institutions on Mexican territory, according to President Sheinbaum[1][2].
The deployment of US special forces and intelligence agents is reportedly under discussion. However, official figures were not provided regarding the potential involvement of military personnel or institutions in Mexico.
Deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that Trump's top priority was "the protection of the homeland." US Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, echoed this sentiment, stating that the US and Mexico face a common enemy: violent criminal cartels[1].
This development underscores the complex relationship between the two nations, as they navigate the ongoing issue of drug cartel violence. The Pentagon has referred questions on this matter to the White House, who initially did not confirm the reports[1].
[1] The New York Times [2] BBC News [3] CNN
- The US military's potential use against drug cartels in Mexico, as authorized by President Trump, could create significant political tension, given Mexico's denial of any military intervention on their soil, as stated by President Claudia Sheinbaum.
- The possible use of US military force against drug cartels, according to the New York Times, has reignited discussions on the Crime-and-Justice beat and raised concerns about the future of US-Mexico relations, especially in light of Mexico's vehement rejection of any intervention on their soil by the US military.
