Mexican marines are undergoing combat training from US Army Special Forces as part of an effort to enhance their ability to fight cartel violence. The mission, authorized by Mexico’s Senate at the request of President Claudia Sheinbaum, comes after renewed US pressure on Mexico to take stronger action against criminal groups.
US Special Forces will be landing in Mexico this week to train Mexican infantry after a Mexican Senate commission approved the measure:
“The Americans will come fully armed as part of a mission to train the Mexican Navy’s Infantería de Marina (marine infantry) on conventional… pic.twitter.com/vHVddDrdm9
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) February 17, 2025
The training program, led by the 7th Special Forces Group, is being conducted at the Luis Carpizo naval facility in Campeche. It is scheduled to run from February 17 through March 30 and will include instruction in both conventional and unconventional warfare tactics. Green Berets, who have experience in Latin America and the Middle East, are overseeing the sessions.
BREAKING: The Mexican Senate has approved the entry of United States Special Forces into Mexico starting this week.
This comes as President Trump continues his immense pressure on the Mexican government to take out the cartels.
The plan is for the Army's 7th Special Forces… pic.twitter.com/98Gz8tid0C
— George (@BehizyTweets) February 17, 2025
Sen. Alejandro Moreno Cardenas, head of the Senate Naval Ministry Commission, confirmed that the US troops arrived in Campeche two days before the training began. The Senate commission approved the mission without opposition after Sheinbaum called for additional military support.
Special Forces have arrived in Mexico for a training exercise. Training Mexico’s Marines. 🇺🇸 & 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/MSRMmSVa0L
— Salty 🇺🇸 El Kekistador🗡️ (@realSaltySeaDog) February 17, 2025
Drug cartels in Mexico control much of the illegal narcotics entering the US, acting as key suppliers for traffickers. Reports indicate that many cartel operations rely on fentanyl precursors from China, which are processed in Mexico before being smuggled into the US.
Trump recently issued an executive order classifying Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. He has also warned that Mexico could face tariffs if enforcement efforts do not improve. As part of the agreement between both nations, the US has also pledged to increase efforts to stop illegal firearms from crossing into Mexico.
Scott Stewart, vice president of intelligence at TorchStone Global, stated that the Green Berets are focused solely on training Mexican forces. Reports from earlier this month indicated a potential US spy plane near Baja California, though Mexico’s government denied unauthorized flights.
