Trump says sending 'armed soldiers' to U.S.-Mexico border

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U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday the U.S. is sending armed soldiers to the southern border after Mexican soldiers recently "pulled guns" on U.S. troops.

Trump appeared to be referring to an April 13 incident in which Mexican troops reportedly questioned and pointed their weapons at two U.S. 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!"

U.S. defense officials told CNN last week that two U.S. 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 U.S. troops, removed a soldier's sidearm and returned it to their unmarked vehicle. Although the area was on the U.S. side of the border north of the Rio Grande in Texas, it was south of the border fence.

(Cover: A state police officer is seen on an armored vehicle before patrolling the roads as part of the police security plan during the Easter holidays, Mexico, April 13, 2019. /Reuters Photo)

Source(s): Reuters