Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has made a significant move by requesting the Mexican Senate’s approval to host US military personnel for training purposes. The training, titled “Strengthening the Capacities of the Special Forces of the Defense Ministry,” is scheduled to occur southeast of Mexico City from January 23 to March 21, 2024. This initiative follows Lopez Obrador’s recent meeting with President Biden and involves 11 personnel from the US Army’s 7th Special Forces Group, known for their operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and expertise in training foreign troops.

The decision marks a notable shift in Lopez Obrador’s stance, given his past criticism of US anti-narcotics operations in Mexico. The US soldiers, expected to bring their own weapons, ammunition, and equipment, will operate under the Mexican Defense Ministry (SEDENA) during their stay.

This collaboration comes against a historical backdrop where some members of the infamous Los Zetas cartel, initially trained by America’s 7th Special Forces Group, later defected from Mexico’s elite military division to form the criminal organization. The presence of US military personnel in Mexico, a topic sensitive due to historical conflicts, underscores a delicate balance between sovereignty and collaboration in addressing security challenges. Lopez Obrador’s move to facilitate this training program signals a pragmatic approach towards leveraging US military expertise while maintaining a focus on Mexican sovereignty.