US Secretary of Defense threatens Mexico with military operation over drug cartels.

US warns Mexico of possible military operation due to insufficient fight against drug cartels

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned the Mexican authorities about the possibility of conducting a military operation on its territory if the government does not intensify the fight against drug cartels. This was reported by 'Hvylya' referencing The Wall Street Journal.

According to the American publication, during a phone call on January 31, Hegseth told Mexican officials that the US was ready for 'unilateral actions' if Mexico did not start more actively countering the collusion between the government and the drug cartels.

This statement shocked and outraged Mexican representatives, who interpreted the words of the Pentagon chief as a direct threat of 'US military action inside Mexico.'

After this, Hegseth publicly reaffirmed his position during a visit to the US-Mexico border. The US Department of Defense refuses to comment on this situation.

On Thursday, the Mexican delegation met in Washington with Hegseth and other high-ranking US officials to present the measures Mexico is taking to combat fentanyl trafficking. Also this week, Mexico extradited 29 drug cartel leaders to the US.

Earlier, a date was set when Trump will impose tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China.