President Donald Trump's administration can use the military to go after Latin American drug gangs that have been designated as global terrorist organizations and has directed the Pentagon to prepare options,

Donald Trump has ordered US army officials to begin using military force against drug cartels. The extraordinary move has threatened a diplomatic row with Claudia Sheinbaum, the Mexican president, insisting US forces will not enter the country.

The statement follows a report that Trump has secretly authorised use of military force against Latin American drug cartels.