Mexico Firmly Denounces Potential US Military Action Against Drug Cartels

In response to an alleged military directive from former President Donald Trump aimed at targeting Latin American drug cartels, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly stated that there will be no US military intervention in Mexico, emphasizing strong bilateral collaboration without the need for invasion.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected the idea of US military intervention in her country in the wake of reports suggesting that former President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to target drug cartels in Latin America. "The United States is not going to come to Mexico with the military," Sheinbaum stated on Friday. "We cooperate, we collaborate, but there is not going to be an invasion. That is ruled out, absolutely ruled out."

According to a report by The New York Times, Trump purportedly signed a secret directive indicating a willingness to employ military force on foreign soil, specifically targeting drug cartels. This directive follows an executive order earlier this year that designated several Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.

Sheinbaum confirmed that the Mexican government had prior knowledge of potential orders regarding the cartels but emphasized that these did not involve any form of military participation. "It is not part of any agreement, far from it. When it has been brought up, we have always said ‘No’,” she reiterated, adding that Trump's designations should not serve as justification for US military action infringing on Mexican sovereignty.

In a recent statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the US plans to use intelligence resources and the Department of Defense to combat the cartels, asserting that they should be recognized as armed terrorist organizations rather than merely drug trafficking entities.

The New York Times has characterized Trump's potential military directive as providing "an official basis for the possibility of direct military operations" against such cartels, both internationally and at sea. However, this comes at a time when Mexico has made significant strides in working collaboratively with the US to manage the dual crises of drug trafficking and illegal immigration. Reports show that traditional border crossings have reached historic lows, and US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson highlighted a marked decrease in fentanyl seizures, touting effective collaboration between the countries as a key factor in their recent successes against cartels.

Johnson expressed his appreciation for the leadership coming from both Sheinbaum and Trump, pointing out that their combined efforts have resulted in significant losses for the cartels, thereby enhancing safety for both nations.