Trump signals possible military action against Mexican drug cartels

US – Mexico – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his warnings toward Mexico, suggesting that military action could be taken against the drug cartels he claims are “controlling” the country.

Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity, the 47th president stated, “We are going to start targeting the cartels on land. These cartels are running Mexico.”

🇺🇸U.S. WAR ON CARTELS ENTERS A NEW PHASE🚨

Trump says the U.S. will target drug cartels on land, claiming they now “run Mexico.”

A sharp escalation beyond border enforcement.

Mexico rejects any foreign military action.

High stakes for sovereignty and U.S.–Mexico ties. pic.twitter.com/mf5Sz85GpT

— Zia ul Haque (@ImZiaulHaque) January 9, 2026

These remarks are a reiteration of his military threats against Latin American countries which he made after the U.S. forces conducted Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela resulting in the “capture” of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Mexico has yet to react to the latest threats.

After the capture of Maduro, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticised the U.S. actions, stating, “Intervention has never brought democracy, nor has it generated lasting well-being or stability.”

She added, “We categorically reject intervention in the internal affairs of other countries.”

The military operation also drew criticism from several other countries such as Russia, China, and Brazil, who slammed the move calling it a blatant violation of international law.

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Earlier, Trump said that a “military operation” in Colombia “sounds good to him”. However, after telephonic conversation with President Gustavo Petro, Trump invited him to the White House for further talks.

Petro said that he presented his plan of forming an alliance to harness the clean energy potential of Latin America as drilling oil would put peace of the world at risk.