Mexico, U.S. Agree on New Protocol to Stop Suspected Drug Boats and Prevent Further Attacks

Mexico and the United States have reached a new agreement aimed at preventing further military strikes on suspected drug-running boats. Under the protocol, Mexico’s Navy will intercept vessels in international waters near its coasts after receiving information from U.S. agencies. The goal is to stop incidents like the recent attack that occurred 400 nautical miles off Acapulco.
Mexico proposed a coordinated mechanism to ensure that operations in international waters follow established maritime treaties and reduce the use of force against suspected boats. Both countries agreed that Mexico’s Navy will take the lead in intercepting such vessels, maintaining direct communication with U.S. counterparts.
The arrangement is designed to ease rising tensions caused by previous U.S. actions in the Pacific and Caribbean, where multiple boats have been destroyed and dozens killed during anti-drug operations. Mexico has emphasized respect for international protocols while seeking to prevent further escalations.