Pentagon warns Mexico of possible military action over cartel probe
2 Min Read
On February 27, Trump reiterated his hardline stance in a Truth Social post, stating that drug inflows from Mexico and Canada remain at "unacceptable levels".
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The Department of Defense logo is seen on the wall in the Press Briefing room at the Pentagon, Oct. 29, 2024, in Washington. (AP)
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has warned Mexican officials that the United States is prepared to take military action if the alleged collaboration between drug cartels and the Mexican government is not addressed, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
The warning was reportedly delivered during a January 31 phone call between Hegseth and high-ranking Mexican defense officials. Sources familiar with the conversation told the Wall Street Journal that Mexican officials were shocked by the remarks, which they deemed as a threat of US combat operations on Mexican territory.
Earlier in the week, Hegseth did not rule out the possibility of US airstrikes on fentanyl production facilities in Mexico, signaling a more aggressive approach to combat drug trafficking. The tensions come as President Donald Trump intensifies his efforts to secure the southern border.
Following his January 20 inauguration, one of his first executive actions was to declare a national emergency at the border. He also ordered the deployment of an additional 1,500 US troops to reinforce security and curb illegal crossings.
Read more: Mexico border cities mobilize shelters amid Trump's deportation drive
On February 27, Trump reiterated his hardline stance in a Truth Social post, stating that drug inflows from Mexico and Canada remain at "unacceptable levels", while blaming China for supplying fentanyl. He noted the devastating toll of the crisis, noting that over 100,000 Americans died last year alone due to these highly addictive substances.
"We cannot allow this scourge to continue to harm the USA," Trump wrote, confirming that planned tariffs on Mexico and China will take effect on March 4 as a punitive measure. Additionally, he announced an extra 10% tariff on China, reinforcing his administration’s escalating pressure on both nations.
( @realDonaldTrump - Truth Social Post )
— Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 TRUTH POSTS (@TruthTrumpPosts) February 27, 2025
( Donald J. Trump - Feb 27, 2025, 8:46 AM ET )
Drugs are still pouring into our Country from Mexico and Canada at very high and unacceptable levels. A large percentage of these Drugs, much of them in the form of Fentanyl, are made in,… pic.twitter.com/TWaP1PTSAF
