Cartel Operatives Not Worried About Trump Striking Them On Mexican Soil And Focusing On Turf Wars: 'He Can't Do That'

Cartel operatives in Mexico are not worried that U.S. strikes against vessels off the coast of Venezuela means they will be targeted next, according to a new report.

Concretely, five different operatives dismissed the idea when talking to The New York Times. One of them, who was largely unaware of the strikes, backed his stance claiming he didn't believe Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum would allow such a scenario.

"It will never happen," the operative said. "He can't do that." The operative went on to say that even if their boats are targeted at sea, the strikes wouldn't disrupt their operations much. "We don't only have maritime routes, we have land and air as well," he said. "There is always a way."

Mexican officials shared the same assessment, telling the outlet that even though they are following developments with caution, they are not worried because cooperation between the countries is currently very strong and successful to jeopardize it with unilateral strikes. Two Trump administration officials agreed with that premise, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the countries.

The notion stands in contrast with previous statements made by top officials and analysis from specialists. Ioan Grillo, a journalist specialized in cartels, warned in early September that the U.S.'s attacks against vessels off the coast of Venezuela could be the prelude of one against criminal organizations in Mexico.

"The missile attack on the alleged "drug boat" in the Caribbean shows how the terrorist designation of cartels and gangs works now. The line has been crossed. This is how an attack on a Mexican cartel target could look like," Ioan Grillo said in a social media post.

Moreover, top U.S. officials said throughout the administration that they wouldn't rule out any action against cartels after being asked about the possibility of attacks on Mexican soil.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has repeatedly rejected any chance of it happening. Also in September she said that strikes would not manage to fully eradicate criminal organizations in the country, adding that fighting them "is much more complex."

"We don't agree with it. Firstly because it's not necessary. Secondly because it would violate our sovereignty. And thirdly because organized crime is much more complex," Sheinbaum claimed.