LATIN AMERICA
Trump says he can bomb Mexico
The US has increasingly accused Mexico of failing to contain drug trafficking networks, especially those trafficking fentanyl to the US
US President Donald Trump has said he may order attacks in Mexico to fight drug cartels, regardless of opposition from Mexican authorities.
Speaking to reporters on Monday (17), Trump was asked if he would consider attacking Mexico or sending US troops to deal with drug trafficking. He replied that it would be “OK” for him.
“Would I launch attacks in Mexico to stop the drugs? OK for me, whatever it takes to stop the drugs,” Trump said. He refused to say whether he would seek Mexico’s permission, but claimed that the country’s authorities know “where I stand”.
“We know all the routes, we know the addresses of all the drug lords,” Trump added. “They are killing our people. It’s like a war. Would I do it? I’d be proud to.”
The US has increasingly accused Mexico of failing to contain drug trafficking networks, especially those smuggling fentanyl into the US, and imposed wide-ranging sanctions on Mexican banks, companies and individuals allegedly linked to cartels earlier this year, along with a 25% tariff on Mexican imports.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has repeatedly said that US military action in Mexico without her consent will not happen and has rejected Trump’s proposal to send troops into the country, arguing that this would violate Mexico’s sovereignty.
Potential attacks inside Mexico would expand what the Trump administration calls its campaign against drug trafficking in Central and South America. Trump has labeled Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as “drug lords” and earlier this year sent a naval armada to the western Caribbean under the pretext of fighting drug trafficking. Since September, US forces have hit 21 alleged drug trafficking vessels, killing more than 80 people.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he would be “proud” to attack cocaine factories in Colombia and would not rule out sending troops to Venezuela to fight drug cartels.
