Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Wednesday that U.S. drone flights over Mexican territory were part of a collaboration with the U.S. government, emphasizing the legality of the operation. "There's cooperation between the U.S. and Mexican governments," she highlighted during her regular morning press conference, noting that these flights have been ongoing for many years.

Sheinbaum also mentioned that the legal framework of international agencies combating crime in Mexico was under review.

These remarks were made in the context of strained relations following U.S. President Donald Trump's promise to classify Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations to combat the inflow of synthetic opioid fentanyl into the U.S.

Furthermore, the U.S. has recently designated several cartels as global terrorist organizations, an action that reflects these escalating tensions.

According to a U.S. official, the drone flights are conducted in agreement with the Mexican government and the drones are unarmed. The purpose of these flights is to identify fentanyl labs, the official explained.