Mexico rejects report of possible US military action on its soil
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum denies claims of a planned US anti-cartel military operation inside Mexico, insisting such action "won’t happen".
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum gives her morning news conference at the national palace in Mexico City, Monday, February 3, 2025 (AP)
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly denied a report suggesting that the United States is planning a unilateral military operation inside Mexico, stating that such an action "won't happen".
The statement came in response to an NBC News article published on Monday, which claimed that the US had initiated detailed planning for a new anti-cartel mission inside Mexico.
According to the report, the proposed operation would involve deploying American troops and intelligence officers on Mexican territory.
“It won't happen. We have no reports that it will happen... And besides, we don't agree to it,” Sheinbaum said during her daily press conference on Tuesday.
The president reaffirmed her government's position, saying that Mexico does not permit foreign military presence within its borders.
Longstanding opposition to foreign intervention
President Sheinbaum has consistently opposed the idea of unilateral US military involvement in Mexico. She has previously rejected suggestions made by US President Donald Trump, who had proposed sending American troops to help combat drug cartels.
Her remarks come amid escalating US military activity in Latin America, particularly in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, where recent US strikes have reportedly killed dozens.
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Since September, the US has conducted several fatal strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels. The Trump administration has repeatedly claimed that those targeted were drug traffickers, though no supporting evidence has been publicly presented.
The growing US military footprint in the region has triggered concern across Latin America, particularly among leaders wary of sovereignty violations and potential civilian harm.
Seperate talks of anti-cartel intervention
In late October, Trump announced that the US is setting the grounds to launch a ground operation against what he dubbed "drug cartels" in Venezuela, as Washington seeks to expand its influence in Latin America.
"The drugs coming in by sea are like 5% of what they were a year ago, less than 5% … The land is going to be next," Trump said during a press conference on transnational crime, suggesting that US Secretary of War Pete Gegseth brief Congress on the matter.
Trump dismissed the need for congressional approval, claiming it as optional, saying, "Well, I don't think we're going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war, I think we're just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country," thus undermining congressional authority.
Read more: US special ops. expand Caribbean mission near Venezuela
