Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed a report on U.S. drone flights over Mexico, calling it part of a “little campaign,” though she did not elaborate further.
She made these remarks during her daily press conference in response to a CNN report that revealed the CIA’s use of MQ-9 Reaper drones to spy on Mexican drug cartels.
Sheinbaum’s use of the diminutive term “little campaign” appeared to downplay the matter, but it was unclear whether she referred to former President Trump’s security initiatives or to the broader U.S. government media efforts against cartels. Her office did not respond to a request for clarification from Reuters.
The covert drone operations were previously undisclosed, and Reuters was unable to verify CNN's claims. The remarks come amidst growing tension between Mexico and the U.S. over cartel-related security issues. U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced plans to designate Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations in his efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking into the U.S.
Trump has also taken a tougher stance on Mexico, sending more troops to the border and threatening tariffs unless Mexico strengthens its efforts to combat illegal migration and drug trafficking.
The U.S. military has been increasing surveillance of Mexican drug cartels to gather intelligence on countering their activities. While Sheinbaum acknowledged U.S. airborne surveillance over Mexican airspace, she emphasized that her government was not concerned unless the operations occurred over Mexican territory.
She also expressed doubts that the Trump administration would take military action, as it would be viewed as a violation of Mexican sovereignty.
Sheinbaum stated that her government would request transparency and seek collaboration with the U.S. on these surveillance flights.
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Written By HowNHowTo.com