Washington to Strike Drug Cartels Operating in Mexico, Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Washington may carry out strikes against drug cartels operating in Mexico on land. In an interview with Fox News, he noted that the U.S. has managed to intercept about 97 percent of drug smuggling via sea routes, and is now focusing its attention on land routes.

According to Trump, drug cartels have a real impact on processes occurring in Mexico. He emphasized that the current situation is concerning and unfortunate, referring to security and governance issues in the neighboring country. The U.S. President claimed that due to the activities of drug cartels, approximately 253,000 people die in the United States each year.

Trump's statements were responded to by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. In a conversation with reporters, she indicated that Mexico is prepared to deepen cooperation with the U.S. in the fight against drug cartels. Sheinbaum mentioned that she has asked the country’s Foreign Minister, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, to arrange a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss possible directions for bilateral cooperation.