Summary
President Trump declared drug cartels as unlawful combatants, stating that the U.S. is now in a "non-international armed conflict" with them. This follows U.S. military strikes on boats in the Caribbean linked to drug smuggling from Venezuela.
Key Facts
- President Trump labeled drug cartels as unlawful combatants.
- The U.S. military conducted strikes on boats in the Caribbean suspected of drug smuggling.
- At least two boats targeted were from Venezuela.
- A memo about the declaration was sent to Congress by Pentagon officials.
- Congress has not authorized these military actions through war powers.
- Lawmakers from both major parties have expressed concerns about the administration's actions.
- Pentagon did not provide a list of terrorist organizations involved in the conflict.
