Photo: ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP / Getty Images
President Donald Trump has declared that the United States is now engaged in a "non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels, according to a memo sent to Congress on Thursday (October 2). The Trump administration has labeled these cartels as "terrorist organizations" and "unlawful combatants," escalating the U.S. approach to combating drug trafficking.
The decision follows recent U.S. military strikes on three alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea, with at least two originating from Venezuela. The strikes, which resulted in the deaths of three narcoterrorists, have sparked debates over their legality under U.S. and international law. President Trump emphasized on Truth Social that no U.S. forces were harmed in the operations and urged an end to the trafficking of fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the U.S.
The administration's move has raised questions about the role of Congress in authorizing such military actions. Some lawmakers have called for Congress to assert its authority under the War Powers Act, which would require congressional approval for continued military operations. Pentagon officials have not provided a list of the designated terrorist organizations, causing frustration among some lawmakers.
The White House stated that the President's actions are in line with his constitutional authority to protect U.S. interests and national security. However, the decision has been met with stark objections from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, who are concerned about the potential implications of this new legal framework for U.S. military operations.
The administration's actions are part of a broader strategy to address the smuggling of deadly drugs like fentanyl and cocaine, shifting the focus from a law enforcement issue to a military one. The memo to Congress marks a significant shift in U.S. policy towards drug cartels, as the administration seeks to combat the violence and terrorism associated with drug trafficking.