Kids recruited by cartels, Mexico
According to authorities, Sinaloa Cartel factions have been targeting adolescents from Jalisco and transporting them to other parts of the country for training. Marco Ugarte/Via Chicago Tribune/AP

Mexican cartel operatives claimed that even if the Trump administration conducted strikes against vessels trafficking drugs into the U.S. their operation wouldn't be seriously harmed, according to a new report.

"We don't only have maritime routes, we have land and air as well," an operative told The New York Times. "There is always a way," he added. The Trump administration has struck at least four vehicles off the coast of Venezuela over the past weeks, claiming it is going after the Cartel de los Soles, which officials claim is ran by the Nicolas Maduro regime.

Trump officials, however, are openly hostile to Maduro, with many expressing their desire that he relinquishes power. This notion stands in contrast with Trump's relationship with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, which is much more amicable.

In this context, Mexican officials told the outlet that even though they are following the developments in Venezuela with caution, they don't believe the Trump administration will conduct strikes on Mexican soil. Three different ones said 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.

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.

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