Trump Says US Will Begin Strikes On Cartels In Mexico

President Donald Trump announced the United States will initiate strikes against cartels in Mexico. He stated that previous efforts greatly reduced drug trafficking by water and that land-based operations against cartels are imminent. Trump expressed that cartels effectively control Mexico and are responsible for a significant number of drug-related deaths in the U.S. This announcement follows a recent operation to apprehend Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on narco-terrorism charges. Trump had previously warned Latin American countries and urged Mexico to address the cartel issue. He mentioned offering U.S. military assistance to Mexico, but described President Claudia Sheinbaum as fearful and under cartel influence. Mexico has consistently rejected U.S. proposals for intervention against cartels, citing historical experiences with foreign intervention. The Trump administration has previously designated Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations and claims to have largely halted sea-based drug trafficking. Trump has indicated that a formal declaration of war would not be necessary for these anti-cartel actions. U.S. officials attribute tens of thousands of American overdose deaths annually to cartels. No specific timeline for the land-based strikes was provided by the President.