A US Navy aircraft was observed flying near the coast of Mexico in response to President Donald Trump’s warnings of potential military action against the country. The P-8 Poseidon aircraft was seen conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions off Tijuana, just south of California, after departing from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington and flying across Oregon and California.
During its operation, the aircraft conducted multiple circuits along the Mexican and Southern Californian coastlines before returning to base. Equipped with advanced sensors, the P-8 is used to monitor suspicious maritime activities, capable of detecting targets on the surface and underwater.
The plane patrolled the Southern Californian shoreline towards Baja and Ensenada, covering territorial waters and exclusive economic zones near San Diego and Tijuana, extending approximately 352 miles into the Pacific Ocean. The purpose of this flight in relation to President Trump’s recent statements regarding Mexico and potential military actions against drug trafficking remains uncertain.
President Trump suggested the possibility of military intervention similar to that in Venezuela if the Mexican government fails to combat drug cartels effectively. He emphasized the need to address drug-related issues, stating that decisive actions could save lives. International reactions to Trump’s military moves in Venezuela and his remarks hinting at expanded military operations in countries like Colombia and Mexico have been mixed.
While French President Emmanuel Macron supported the capture of Maduro, France’s UN representative criticized any violations of international law by UN Security Council members, including the US. The US envoy defended Trump’s actions in Venezuela as necessary law enforcement measures, challenging the council’s criticisms of Maduro’s targeting.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concerns over potential breaches of international law during the recent military actions, warning that such actions could set precedents affecting future international relations. The ongoing discussions within the UN Security Council reflect varying perspectives on the legitimacy and implications of recent military interventions.