Trump suggests possible military strikes against cartels in Mexico

US President Donald Trump renewed his hardline rhetoric on Mexico, indicating that Washington could take military action against what he described as drug cartels “running” the country.

During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump said the US would begin targeting land operations connected to cartels, repeating claims that criminal groups hold significant sway inside Mexico.

The comments come shortly after a US operation in Venezuela — described as Operation Absolute Resolve — that reportedly resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The Venezuela action drew criticism internationally.

Mexico has not publicly responded to Trump’s latest remarks. After the Venezuela operation, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticised US interventionism, saying it has not delivered durable democracy, stability or wellbeing, and rejecting interference in other countries’ internal affairs.

Geo News reported that Russia, China and Brazil also condemned the Venezuela operation, calling it a breach of international law.

Trump has also floated similar ideas elsewhere in the region, saying a military operation in Colombia sounded appealing before later holding a call with President Gustavo Petro. Following the call, Trump invited Petro to the White House for further discussions. Petro said he outlined a plan focused on clean-energy cooperation across Latin America and warned that expanding oil drilling could jeopardise global peace.