"We will begin ground attacks to suppress drug cartels. These gangs are rampaging in Mexico", US President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Fox News aired on 8/1.

Trump did not provide specific information regarding the location or timing of the US plan.

The Mexican government has not yet commented on this information.

Trump's declaration follows a surprise US operation in Caracas, which led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on numerous charges, including drug-related accusations. This action culminated months of escalating US military and economic pressure on Venezuela's leadership.

US President Donald Trump at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on 6/1. Photo: AFP

In operations targeting suspected drug-carrying vessels in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea since 9/2025, US forces have killed over 100 people. Trump also stated that US forces conducted a ground attack on a dock in Venezuela where suspected drug vessels were anchored.

However, attacks on drug cartels in Mexico would mark a significant military escalation by the US. Venezuela's interim government previously condemned US attacks in Caracas as a threat to regional stability.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on 5/1 that the Americas "do not belong" to any single power. This was in response to Trump's remarks about Washington's "dominance" over the region following Maduro's arrest.

The day before, the US President urged Sheinbaum to agree to deploy US troops to confront drug cartels in Mexico. The Mexican President had previously rejected a similar proposal.

Huyen Le (According to AFP)