BOSTON, Massachusetts - October 3, 2011 - Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry has said he is open to sending American troops to Mexico to help battle drug cartels.

Perry, the Texas governor, likened the situation to Colombia, where the government accepted American military support in battling drug trafficking.

However, Mexico's government has been opposed to foreign forces in its territory.

Perry said the current violence may require similar military action. “The way we were able to stop the drug cartels in Colombia was with a coordinated effort,” he said.

Perry often has called for more National Guard troops to help protect the Mexican border and stem the flow of illegal immigration.

His latest comments indicate he's open to deepening America's military involvement across the border. A spokesman later clarified that Perry is open to all options to cooperate with Mexico.