Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
As political pressure mounts, US officials are weighing forceful options while attempting to reassure a wary neighbor.
During a briefing with reporters, US President Donald Trump acknowledged that operations targeting drug cartels on Mexican soil were under consideration, several media outlets reports.
Digi24 quoted the president for saying, he supported “whatever it takes to stop the flow of drugs,” adding that he was “displeased” with Mexico’s efforts, according to remarks reported by US media.
US authorities have already designated several Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a status that broadens Washington’s legal toolkit.
Military planning leaks
In early November, NBC News reported, citing unnamed White House officials, that the administration had explored plans for a ground operation in Mexico.
According to the outlet, proposals included strikes on cartel-linked laboratories and the use of drones against senior figures in the drug trade.
Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was working “more closely than ever” with Mexico on counter-narcotics efforts and emphasized that Washington was not preparing “unilateral actions.”
Regional escalation
Weeks earlier, US forces, acting under Trump’s orders, began targeting vessels described as carrying “narco-terrorists” in the Caribbean and the Pacific.
At the same time, the United States expanded its military footprint near Venezuela.
Trump dispatched a Navy strike group led by the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which carries thousands of personnel along with fighter jets and attack helicopters.
New operation launched
Defense Secretary Pete Hagset announced the start of “Southern Spear,” a campaign against what he described as “narco-terrorists” across the Western Hemisphere.
The moves sparked fresh speculation about a potential ground mission in Venezuela.
However, CNN reported, citing White House insiders, that Trump had not approved any such incursion. The president has also said publicly that he is open to direct talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Sources: NBC, CNN, Digi24, U.S. Department of State
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation
