US media reported on the 8th that, after the US government designated several drug trafficking organizations as terrorist groups earlier this year, President Trump is preparing to use military force against several Latin American drug trafficking organizations.
The New York Times pointed out that Trump has instructed the Pentagon to start preparing for military action against drug trafficking organizations deemed as terrorist groups; the Wall Street Journal also noted that Trump has ordered the Pentagon to prepare multiple possible plans for taking action.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the use of special forces and providing intelligence support are among the options being discussed, and any action will be coordinated with foreign partners.
Although White House spokesperson Kelly did not confirm the relevant reports, she stated in a statement that Trump's "top priority is protecting national security, which is why he has taken bold steps to designate multiple drug trafficking organizations and gangs as foreign terrorist groups."
This February, the United States designated Venezuela's 'Tren de Aragua', Mexico's 'Sinaloa Cartel', and six other Latin American drug trafficking organizations as terrorist groups.
Subsequently, Trump also designated Venezuela's 'Cartel of the Suns' as a terrorist group, which is said to have smuggled hundreds of tons of drugs into the United States over the past 20 years.
On his first day back in the White House on January 20, Trump signed an executive order establishing a procedure for designating such organizations, stating that these drug trafficking groups "pose a greater threat to national security than traditional organized crime."
Mexico Firmly Defends Its Sovereignty
After media reports that the US might take military action against drug trafficking groups, Mexican President Sheinbaum insisted that "any invasion of our country will not be tolerated."
She said: "We are cooperating and working together, but we do not allow any incursion; this has been absolutely ruled out."
At a press conference, she noted that assurances have been obtained that no US troops will set foot on Mexican territory.