Kathrine Frich
They planted six signs in the sand declaring the area a “Restricted Area” belonging to the US Department of Defense, written in both English and Spanish.
Only days after US President Donald Trump said he would be “ok” with launching strikes inside Mexico to target drug cartels, an unexpected arrival of American personnel on a Mexican shoreline caused immediate concern.
The sight of a US military boat landing on local sands was enough to prompt a swift response from Mexican security forces.
Beach incident
According to the Daily Mail, unidentified US troops came ashore by boat on November 17 on a beach in northeast Mexico, believed to be Playa Bagdad.
They planted six signs in the sand declaring the area a “Restricted Area” belonging to the US Department of Defense, written in both English and Spanish.
Armed Mexican security units arrived within minutes in vehicles mounted with machine guns.
Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed that naval personnel removed the signs after determining they had been placed on Mexican territory.
The incident drew additional attention due to Trump’s recent comments about possible military action against drug networks in Mexico, remarks that have already strained diplomatic relations.
Pentagon clarification
The Pentagon issued a statement the next day acknowledging that its personnel had misidentified the border at the point where the Rio Grande flows into the Gulf of Mexico.
Officials said shifting water depth and coastal topography “altered the perception” of the international boundary.
The statement added that the troops had been tasked with marking “National Defense Area III” and that the signs were taken down by Mexican authorities based on their own interpretation of the border’s position.
Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said the origin of the signs was initially unclear and announced that the Mexican section of the International Boundary and Water Commission would review maps and treaty documents defining the border.
Not ruling out strikes on Mexico
The landing occurred shortly after President Trump told US media he would not rule out strikes on drug traffickers inside Mexico.
When asked whether he would require Mexico’s permission, he said he “wouldn’t answer,” adding that Mexican officials “know how I stand.”
“They’re killing our people. That’s like a war,” Trump said, adding that he would be “proud” to take action if necessary.
Sources: Express, Daily Mail, Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Boundary and Water Commission
