MEXICO CITY — U.S. military forces will not strike Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum vowed Friday in response to reports that President Trump has secretly directed the Pentagon to take action against Latin American drug cartels.

The Mexican president said Friday that any reported US military intervention against drug cartels operating in Mexico was “absolutely off the table.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected suggestions that U.S. forces could enter Mexico, following reports that President Donald Trump authorised the Pentagon to use military power against Latin American drug cartels designated as terrorist organisations.