News|Donald Trump‘We do not agree’: Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum speaks against US air strikesSheinbaum faces pressure from the Trump administration to crack down on drug trafficking across the US-Mexico border.
Recent US air strikes have targeted areas in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, claiming to disrupt drug-smuggling operations. These actions have resulted in at least 37 casualties since the campaign began on September 2, 2025.
Recent US air strikes have targeted areas in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, claiming to disrupt drug-smuggling operations. These actions have resulted in at least 37 casualties since the campaign began on September 2, 2025.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly opposed these air strikes, citing international laws governing operations against illegal drug and arms transportation in international waters. The Sheinbaum administration has communicated this stance to the US government.
Since President Trump's return to office in January, the US has imposed a series of economic pressures on Mexico. Notably, a 25% tariff on Mexican exports was instituted, which was later temporarily paused after Mexico agreed to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to reinforce its border with the US.
Further economic measures included US Treasury sanctions against three Mexican financial institutions accused of money laundering related to drug trafficking.
Recent US air strikes have targeted areas in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, claiming to disrupt drug-smuggling operations.
Concerns have been raised about the possibility of US military action on Mexican soil, following the US's designation of Latin American cartels as "foreign terrorist organisations." Although this designation does not authorize military action, it has heightened fears of potential intervention.
Both Sheinbaum and Trump confirmed discussions regarding the deployment of US troops to Mexico, which Sheinbaum rejected, emphasizing Mexican sovereignty.
International Reactions and Legal Concerns
The ongoing air strike campaign, which expanded to the Pacific Ocean in October 2025, has drawn criticism from Latin American leaders and human rights officials. Concerns include the potential for extrajudicial killings, which may violate international law. Some victims have been identified as non-combatants, including fishermen from Ecuador and Colombia.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.