In a significant escalation of U.S. military involvement in drug enforcement, President Donald Trump has classified drug cartels as unlawful combatants and declared a ‘non-international armed conflict’ against them. This information came to light through a memo from the Trump administration, following a series of targeted strikes on boats suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean.
The designation was communicated to Congress by Pentagon officials, as military operations have intensified in the region. Recent U.S. strikes, including at least three against vessels linked to drug trafficking, were reported, with two of those attacks originating from Venezuela. The memo asserts that these cartels, identified as transnational organized groups, pose a significant threat to U.S. security and are responsible for ongoing attacks across the Western Hemisphere.
According to the memo, the President deemed cartel members as ‘unlawful combatants’ and reclassified them as terrorist organizations. It further stated that their actions constitute an armed attack against the United States. Despite this declaration, Pentagon officials were unable to provide a definitive list of the designated terrorist organizations involved in the conflict, leading to frustration among lawmakers who were briefed.
The development comes amid increasing pressure from Congress for the administration to seek formal war powers authorization for these military operations under the War Powers Act. This legislative requirement mandates that the executive branch obtains congressional consent for military engagements, particularly those involving the use of force in conflict situations.
Senators from both parties have voiced strong concerns regarding the implications of Trump’s legal justification for military actions against the cartels. The closed-door briefing led to discussions about the new legal framework being pursued by the administration, which some lawmakers see as encroaching upon congressional authority over military action.
The initial strike on September 2 targeted a speedboat allegedly carrying drugs, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals. The Trump administration claimed the vessel was associated with the Tren de Aragua gang, previously designated as a foreign terrorist organization by U.S. authorities. This action is viewed by the administration as a necessary response to combat the rampant drug crisis impacting the nation.
However, critics—including members of Congress and human rights organizations—are questioning the legality of employing military force in what they perceive as law enforcement actions. Concerns have been raised about the potential overreach of executive power, given that military assets are typically reserved for defense or combat operations rather than domestic enforcement measures.
Senate Armed Services Committee’s top Democrat, Jack Reed, articulated that the cartels should be handled as criminal entities through law enforcement channels rather than military interventions. He criticized the administration for failing to provide credible legal justification or intelligence that supports the recent strikes. Reed, a former Army officer, emphasized the need for accountability and a transparent rationale behind the military’s assessment of the boats and their occupants prior to the attacks.
As the situation evolves, the Trump administration continues to face scrutiny regarding the motives and legality of its military strategy in addressing transnational drug cartels. The implications of this designation and the conduct of military operations could have far-reaching effects on U.S. engagement with Congress and its approach to international law concerning armed conflict.
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