President Trump has announced that the US is escalating its war on Mexican drug cartels, with a full-scale attack now underway.
What happened
Trump made the announcement at a Rose Garden lunch with first responders, stating that targeting of the cartels on land has been ongoing for months. He highlighted the success of the US military and Coast Guard's efforts to reduce drug trafficking by sea, with a 97% reduction in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea.
Trump noted that the focus is now shifting to land-based operations, with hundreds of additional US troops deployed to the Texas-Mexico border. He emphasized that the US is working with Mexico, but acknowledged that the cartels have significant control over the country.
The announcement comes amid escalating hostilities between the cartels and US law enforcement, including a recent exchange of gunfire between US Coast Guard personnel and individuals across the border in Starr County, Texas.
