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US-MEXICO-POLITICS
Trump says sending ‘armed soldiers’ to US-Mexico border
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – President Donald Trump said
Wednesday the US is sending armed soldiers to the southern border after
Mexican soldiers recently “pulled guns” on US troops.
Trump appeared to be referring to an April 13 incident in which Mexican
troops reportedly questioned and pointed their weapons at two US troops
conducting surveillance on the border.
“Mexico’s Soldiers recently pulled guns on our National Guard Soldiers,
probably as a diversionary tactic for drug smugglers on the Border. Better
not happen again!” he tweeted.
“We are now sending ARMED SOLDIERS to the Border. Mexico is not doing
nearly enough in apprehending & returning!”
US defense officials told CNN last week that two US soldiers were in an
unmarked vehicle conducting surveillance on the American side of the border
when they were approached by five to six Mexican military personnel.
The officials said the Mexican soldiers pointed their weapons at the US
troops, removed a soldier’s sidearm and returned it to their unmarked
vehicle.
Although the area was on the US side of the border north of the Rio Grande
in Texas, it was south of the border fence.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1905 hrs