Sheinbaum rejects Trump's cartel strikes talk

Attacks 'OK' with him, U.S. leader says, but Mexican president stays firmly opposed.

- PATRICK J. MCDONNELL

AN AGENT of the National Guard of Mexico inspects vehicles apparently burned by an organized crime ring.

It may be “OK” with President Trump, but Mexico rejects any U.S. strikes against cartels in its territory.

That was the message reiterated Tuesday by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has repeatedly said that her nation would not accept U.S. attacks or troops on Mexican soil.

“It’s not going to happen,” Sheinbaum told reporters at her daily news conference. “We cannot permit an intervention.”

Mexican authorities seem to have been convinced that the matter was settled, especially after Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared last week that U.S.-Mexico anti-drug cooperation was at “an all-time high,” adding: “We're not going to take unilateral action or go in and send American forces into Mexico.”

But the incendiary issue flared again this week as Trump made some provocative, off-the-cuff remarks.

“Would I launch strikes in Mexico to stop drugs?” Trump said Monday, repeating a journalist's question at the Oval Office. “It’s OK with me.”

Trump didn’t unveil any specific plans for a U.S. attack. But he clearly contradicted his top diplomat's upbeat assertions that Washington was pleased with Mexico's anti-drug efforts.

“Let me jut put it this way: I am not happy with Mexico,” Trump said. “OK?”

Trump’s comments flashed instantly on news channels, websites and social media platforms in Mexico, once again raising the specter of a unilateral, potentially destabilizing U.S. assault south of the border.

“Disgusted with Mexico,” read the front-page headline in El Diario de Yucatán newspaper, citing Trump's displeasure.