Mexican officials are so far not worried about the possibility of seeing U.S. strikes against cartels on its soil despite increased pressure on Venezuela, according to a new report.
Speaking to The New York Times, three senior Mexican officials said that they are watching developments with caution, but they are not worried because cooperation between the countries is currently very strong and successful to jeopardize it with unilateral strikes. Two Trump administration officials agreed with that premise, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the two countries.
The notion stands in contrast with previous statements made by top officials and analysis from specialists. Ioan Grillo, a journalist specialized in cartels, warned in early September that the U.S.'s attacks against vessels off the coast of Venezuela could be the prelude of one against criminal organizations in Mexico.
"The missile attack on the alleged "drug boat" in the Caribbean shows how the terrorist designation of cartels and gangs works now. The line has been crossed. This is how an attack on a Mexican cartel target could look like," Ioan Grillo said in a social media post.
Moreover, top U.S. officials said throughout the administration that they wouldn't rule out any action against cartels after being asked about the possibility of attacks on Mexican soil.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has repeatedly rejected any chance of it happening. Also in September she said that strikes would not manage to fully eradicate criminal organizations in the country, adding that fighting them "is much more complex."
"We don't agree with it. Firstly because it's not necessary. Secondly because it would violate our sovereignty. And thirdly because organized crime is much more complex," Sheinbaum claimed.
Originally published on Latin Times
