Mexico urges maritime coordination with U.S. after boat strikes in eastern Pacific

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday called for improved maritime security coordination with the United States after recent U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats in international waters near the port of Acapulco.

Speaking at a daily press conference, Sheinbaum reiterated opposition to such U.S. moves, which she said could infringe on Mexico's sovereignty, and emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral security mechanisms to prevent future incidents.

"We want protocols to improve within the framework of existing security agreements with the United States," she said. "We must avoid any violations of our sovereignty or unauthorized operations in our exclusive economic zone."

Sheinbaum said that U.S. authorities should alert the Mexican side when suspected vessels are detected near Mexico's national waters, so that the Mexican Navy can handle the situation, particularly when Mexican nationals are involved.

The U.S. military on Monday conducted three strikes on four suspected drug vessels in the eastern Pacific, killing 14 alleged "narco-terrorists" and leaving one survivor, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Mexico subsequently launched a rescue operation for the survivor. ■