Trump Administration Declares Conflict with Drug Cartels

This week, the Trump administration informed Congress about the United States’ status as being in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels. This announcement was reported by the New York Times.

“The cartels involved have become more armed, organized, and violent,” the notification indicated. “They have the financial means and paramilitary capabilities to operate with impunity.”

“Despite efforts from friendly countries to tackle these organizations, they continue to inflict serious losses. These groups are still carrying out attacks throughout the Western Hemisphere. Hence, the President has classified the cartels as non-state armed groups and designated them as terrorist organizations due to their actions that threaten the U.S.”

This designation follows President Trump’s recent order for airstrikes on at least three drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean.

One of these attacks, which took place last month, resulted in 17 fatalities, including individuals from Venezuela.

“In my order, the Secretary of War was instructed to carry out a targeted campaign against a vessel linked to a designated terrorist organization involved in drug trafficking,” the statement noted. Intelligence had confirmed that the boat was involved in the illegal drug trade.

The first strike happened on September 2nd, where all 11 individuals aboard were reportedly killed when they targeted a boat affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang.

President Trump later shared footage of the attack, highlighting how U.S. military forces effectively eliminated threats linked to drug trafficking.

The Trump administration characterized the strike as a form of “self-defense,” asserting it had the legal backing to eliminate individuals onboard vessels involved in smuggling drugs for groups labeled as terrorists.

The recent notice to Congress provided a justification for last month’s strike, indicating it was based on intelligence showing cooperation with designated terrorists and involvement in illicit drug trafficking that posed a potential threat to Americans.

The memo also pointed to rising overdose rates affecting around 100,000 Americans annually, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Democrats, however, have questioned the legality of the strikes, expressing concerns about the Trump administration’s authority in carrying out such military actions.

California Senator Adam Schiff indicated his intention to challenge the administration by calling for a vote on war powers, which would require Congress to formally sanction strikes against the cartels.

Schiff mentioned that the purpose of the vote was to “document the Senate’s stance on this kind of lawlessness.”

On the other hand, White House deputy reporter Anna Kelly emphasized that the administration is acting in accordance with armed conflict laws, aiming to eliminate threats from drug cartels to protect Americans.

During a recent address at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, President Trump praised the military’s actions, asserting that if cartels were going to harm Americans, the U.S. would respond decisively.

“That’s the only language they really understand. We won’t allow any more boats in the ocean,” he stated.