Military action has been pitched as a potential way to fight drug smuggling in the country
US President Donald Trump has said he is open to ordering strikes in Mexico to fight drug cartels, regardless of opposition from Mexican authorities.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump was asked whether he would consider striking Mexico or sending US troops to tackle drug smuggling. He replied that it would be “OK” with him.
“Would I launch strikes in Mexico to stop drugs? OK with me, whatever we have to do to stop drugs,” Trump said. He refused to say whether he would seek Mexico’s permission but claimed the country’s authorities know “how I stand.”
“We know every route, we know the addresses of every drug lord,” Trump added. “They’re killing our people. That’s like a war. Would I do it? I’d be proud to.”
The US has increasingly accused Mexico of failing to curb drug-smuggling networks, especially those trafficking fentanyl to the US, and placed sweeping sanctions on Mexican banks, companies, and alleged cartel-linked individuals earlier this year, along with a 25% tariff on Mexican imports.
While Mexico has cooperated with Washington in the anti-drug campaign, it firmly rejects any foreign military presence. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has repeatedly said US military action in Mexico without her consent will not happen and rejected Trump’s proposal to send troops into the country, arguing it would violate Mexico’s sovereignty.
Potential strikes inside Mexico would expand what the Trump administration calls a campaign against narcotics trafficking in Central and South America. Trump labeled Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro “drug leaders” and earlier this year sent a naval armada to the western Caribbean under the pretext of fighting drug smuggling. Since September, US forces have hit 21 alleged drug-smuggling vessels, killing more than 80 people.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he would be “proud” to strike cocaine factories in Colombia and would not rule out sending troops to Venezuela to fight drug cartels.
The US buildup and strikes prompted Colombia’s Petro, whom Washington sanctioned last month, to denounce Trump as “a barbarian.” Maduro, who denies links to drug cartels, warned Trump’s actions could spark a “forever war” in the region.
