Mexican Leader Claudia Sheinbaum Denies Reports of US Military Intervention in the Country
The nation's President Sheinbaum has firmly denied allegations that the United States is considering to deploy troops into the country to combat dominant drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has consistently refused such proposals from President Trump.
“It’s not going to happen,” the President stated during her regular news conference on that day. “We do not agree to any form of interference or interventionism.”
Context on the Allegations
The President's remarks follow a news story quoting current and former US officials that the Trump administration has started planning for a mission to deploy American military personnel and intelligence officers into Mexico.
The report indicated that although the operation was not immediate and a conclusive choice had been made, the early stages of preparation had commenced along with talks about the scope of the operation.
Furthermore, the report stated that American forces would function under the authority of the US intelligence community, and that personnel from the Central Intelligence Agency would take part as well.
Mexico's Response
But Sheinbaum was insistent that her country had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, although she admitted that in phone calls with Trump, he had proposed to send troops and other assistance to tackle criminal groups.
“I’ve always said thank you very much, Mr. Trump. But no, our country is a independent, independent and sovereign country,” Sheinbaum declared.
Historical Collaboration and Present Strains
The two nations have historically worked together in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times dispatching CIA, armed forces and DEA operatives to assist Mexico's efforts to fight organized crime.
But the incursion of US troops into Mexico to directly confront the cartels, particularly without Mexico's agreement, would be an unheard-of step that would almost certainly fracture an already tenuous bilateral relationship.
Recent Actions and Understandings
The US government has designated confronting criminal organizations a central pillar of its foreign policy: in last winter, the US classified six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups.
Additionally, it has launched a multiple strikes against alleged narco vessels, most recently striking ships in the eastern Pacific that killed 14 alleged traffickers in late October.
Although Mexico saved a survivor from the attack, the President condemned the strikes and instructed representatives from her administration to address them with the US ambassador to Mexico.
On that day, Sheinbaum also noted that Mexico had finalized a cooperation pact with the US that was discussed over several months.
“We are going to continue working within this cooperative structure, which has defined guidelines … which respects our sovereignty and our territoriality.”
The President's Stance on Security Approach
The national leader has also seemed cooler on militarised drug combat strategies than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she ruled out any modifications to the country’s security strategy despite the murder of a mayor in a Mexican state.
“Some are calling for militarization and armed conflict, as occurred with the anti-drug campaign,” Sheinbaum said. “It proved ineffective.”