WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Tuesday condemned the ambush killings of an American family in Mexcio, and he offered to help the country "wage war" on the kinds of drugs cartels accused in the attack.

"A wonderful family and friends from Utah got caught between two vicious drug cartels, who were shooting at each other, with the result being many great American people killed, including young children, and some missing," Trump tweeted.

At least 10 members of a Mormon family were killed, and about a dozen were missing, after an attack relatives believe may have been a case of mistaken identity by rival drug cartels.

Trump, who in the past has attacked Mexico over drug running and immigration policies, said the U.S. "stands ready, willing & able to get involved and do the job quickly and effectively."

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has made battling drug violence a priority, Trump said, "but the cartels have become so large and powerful that you sometimes need an army to defeat an army!"

Mexico killing:At least 10 members of Mormon family brutally killed in Mexico; about a dozen still missing

In a separate tweet, Trump said: "This is the time for Mexico, with the help of the United States, to wage WAR on the drug cartels and wipe them off the face of the earth. We merely await a call from your great new president!"

U.S. lawmakers also expressed condolences.

"Ann and I are heartbroken for the victims of the horrific attacks in Mexico," tweeted Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah. "Our prayers are with their families who have suffered such an unspeakable tragedy. The U.S. must work with Mexican officials to hold accountable those responsible for this senseless violence."