The defense secretary’s told Mexican security officials the U.S. was ready to take unilateral action against the country’s drug cartels.

The Wall Street Journal (paywall), citing sources briefed on discussions during the Jan. 31 call, on Friday wrote that the alleged threat stemmed from U.S. concerns over the Mexican government’s alleged links with drug cartels.

The United States has threatened Mexico with military action if it does not manage the drug cartels effectively. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth stated that if Mexico does not address the collusion between its government and drug cartels,

A conversation between US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and senior Mexican officials has sparked tension. Mexican officials were outraged by the threat of military action from the US, states WSJ.