President Donald Trump expressed his support on Monday for taking aggressive actions against drug cartels and drug production in Mexico and Colombia. This comes after recent strikes on small boats in the Caribbean and Pacific as part of his intensified efforts against maritime drug trafficking. Trump has authorized stronger interdiction operations and granted expanded powers to U.S. forces to stop or sink vessels suspected of carrying narcotics.
During an event in the Oval Office, Trump indicated his willingness to support ground strikes in Mexico to combat drug trafficking, emphasizing the need to do whatever is necessary to halt the drug trade. While he did not announce direct U.S. military involvement, he later mentioned the possibility of targeting cocaine labs in Colombia, stating he would be proud to take such action to save lives.
In contrast to Trump’s stance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that there would be no military intervention in Mexico from the United States. Rubio emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two countries, highlighting that assistance could be provided through equipment, training, and intelligence sharing upon request.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has denied reports of potential unilateral U.S. military action in Mexico following rumors of detailed planning for an anti-cartel mission involving U.S. troops and intelligence officers. Tensions have also risen between Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro over drug enforcement strategies, leading to sanctions imposed by the U.S. on Petro and a suspension of intelligence sharing by Colombia until boat attacks cease.
The U.S. has conducted approximately 20 lethal strikes on alleged drug vessels since September, primarily in the Caribbean Sea but with some incidents in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of at least 80 individuals. These actions have sparked concerns about their legality, prompting discussions among U.S. lawmakers and international observers.
Requests for comments on Trump’s statements from Sheinbaum and Petro’s representatives were not immediately answered.
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