Donald Trump has discreetly signed a directive authorizing the use of military force against Latin American dru, cartels, which his administration has classified as terrorist organizations, according to sources cited by The New York Times.
The directive is meant to officially legitimize the potential for military operations, including overseas in foreign countries, targeting the cartels. It marks Trump's most aggressive move yet in the administration's escalating campaign against drug-trafficking organizations, in an effort to curb the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the US.
Military action plans in the works
Senior US military officials have already begun formulating plans for how the armed forces could take action against the criminal groups, according to people familiar with the confidential discussions.
However, The New York Times noted that using the military in narcotics operations abroad raises legal concerns, for example, whether it would be considered murder if US troops operating outside the country were to kill civilians, even suspected criminals, who did not pose an immediate threat.
At this stage, it remains unclear how, or whether, the legal teams at the White House, Pentagon, and State Department have responded to the directive, or whether the Justice Department's legal counsel has issued an opinion on the matter.
Earlier this year, Trump deployed National Guard troops and other forces to the southwestern border to clamp down on drug trafficking, and illegal immigration, while ramping up surveillance efforts. Upon returning to office in January, he signed an executive order instructing the State Department to begin designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
In February, the State Department designated "Tren de Aragua," "Mara Salvatrucha" (also known as MS-13), and several similar groups as terrorist organizations, stating they pose "a national security threat, beyond that posed by 'traditional' criminal organizations."
Hunting Maduro
Two weeks ago, the Trump administration added Venezuela's "Cartel de los Soles", the "Cartel of the Suns", to a list of international terrorist groups receiving "special attention," alleging it is led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other senior figures in his regime.
On Thursday, the US Justice and State Departments announced the government was doubling the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to $50 million. He has been indicted on drug trafficking charges. The administration again described him as the head of a cartel, and Attorney General Pam Bondi said he "will not escape justice and will be held accountable for his heinous crimes."
Asked about Trump's authorization of military force against the cartels, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said: "President Trump's top priority is protecting the homeland. That's why he took the bold step of targeting several cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations."
