Mexico demands answers: U.S. Navy ship caught in forbidden zone
Sheinbaum is not impressed
Tensions persist between the United States and Mexico. According to the Spanish-language news outlet Infobae, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has refuted claims regarding the presence of an unauthorized US ship in Mexican waters.
Fishing village
The president was questioned about the fact that a fishing village had witnessed the presence of a US Navy vessel in Mexican waters.
Permission from the Mexican Navy
“There are no incursions. When they enter national waters, it's through a permit issued by the Mexican Navy,” Sheinbaum explained.
Three possible reasons
The president added that there are three reasons why a ship could enter Mexican territory: fuel loading, security reasons, and cooperation against cartels.
Harrasment
The fishermen who witnessed the US vessel are from the town of Chiquilá, Quintana Roo. According to Mexican publication Proceso, they claim that they were harassed by members of the US Marine Corps.
Looking into details
“Yes, if they give us the details on this matter, we'd be happy to talk to them,” Sheinbaum responded when asked about the harassment the fishermen suffered. She emphasized that there is no US interference in Mexican waters.
'International cooperation'
Sheinbaum also emphasized that these actions are taking place within a frame of “international cooperation, not only with the United States, but with other countries. This vessel was arriving from Colombia. So, there is information coming from different countries.”
Previous controversy
In March, there was also controversy over US warships deployed on Mexico's northern border.
“Highly unusual”
According to CNN, the maneuver was “highly unusual” and was part of a demonstration of US President Donald Trump's military buildup in the region.
