US Defense Minister Pete Hegset January 31, during a telephone conversation with high -ranking Mexico officials, threatened with hostilities if the country does not solve the problem with drug cartels and smuggling at the border. According to sources aware of the course of negotiations, the conversation was not constructive, and the threat of hostilities became a shock for Mexican officials who consider it an unfriendly step.
Hegset stressed that the US military is ready to take unilateral actions if the Mexican government does not stop cooperation with drug cartels. The US Department of Defense refused comment, but the message has attracted attention because of its aggressive tone, reminiscent of the possibility of US military intervention in Mexico.
This situation is complicated by the introduction of 25%duties on imports from Mexico and Canada, which should come into force on March 4. US President Donald Trump said these tariffs will act until the drug flow stops. All these actions are aimed at causing Mexico to solve the problem with fentanil smuggling and migrants.
Although it was considered unlikely that the United States would interfere with the military path in Mexico's internal affairs, this idea found a response in Washington. On February 27, a group of experts and former US and Mexico officials gathered to discuss the potential consequences of the war between the two countries, which indicated serious economic upheavals, border closure and possible riots.
High -ranking officials in Mexico do not hide their shock from military threats. They compare them with the events from the past when the United States interfered with Mexico, including the Mexican-American War of 1846. The theme of military tension has become the subject of serious debate in Washington itself.
On the other hand, a group of two dozen US legislators made a resolution condemning any calls for hostilities without the permission of Congress and the consent of the Mexican government, emphasizing that such steps can lead to serious consequences for bilateral relations.
