US Military Conducts Fourth Deadly Strike on Cartel Boats as Trump Declares Armed Conflict
The US military conducted its fourth deadly strike on alleged drug cartel boats off Venezuela. President Trump declared an armed conflict, designating cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
Overview
- President Trump has officially declared an armed conflict with drug cartels, designating them as Foreign Terrorist Organizations due to their significant role in American drug-related deaths.
- The US military has now carried out at least four deadly strikes against alleged narco-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, specifically off the coast of Venezuela.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the latest strike, part of a series of operations where each incident resulted in the deaths of four individuals on board the boats.
- The Trump administration justifies these aggressive actions by stating that drug cartels are directly responsible for tens of thousands of American deaths annually, with fentanyl being a major contributor.
- Critics, including rights observers and war powers scholars, have condemned these attacks as potentially illegal under US and international law, urging Congress to authorize such military engagements.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by presenting a balanced array of perspectives, including the administration's justifications, bipartisan congressional concerns, and legal experts' critiques. They consistently highlight the lack of specific evidence or legal authority cited by the administration, allowing readers to form their own conclusions on the controversial strikes.
"The strikes are a milestone in increasingly militarized U.S. counterdrug efforts in the region."
USA TODAY"The assertion of presidential powers sets the stage for expanded action in Latin America and raises questions about how far the administration will go without sign-off from Congress."
Associated Press"The designation essentially puts drug cartels in the same legal category as terrorist groups like Al Qaeda or the Islamic State."
NBC News"The Trump administration has determined the U.S. is in a "non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels it has designated as terrorist organizations, it said in a notification to Congress viewed by CBS News."
CBS News"The Trump administration has justified the military action as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States."
Military TimesArticles (15)
Center (5)
FAQ
President Trump declared an armed conflict and designated drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations due to their significant role in American drug-related deaths, particularly from fentanyl, which contributes to tens of thousands of deaths annually in the U.S.
The US military has conducted at least four deadly strikes on alleged drug cartel boats off the coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean as part of operations targeting narco-trafficking vessels.
The Trump administration has alleged the boats were used by cartels for drug smuggling, but initially did not provide evidence of drugs or weapons on board the first struck vessels; however, the fourth boat struck was found to be carrying cocaine.
Experts and rights observers have questioned the legality of the US strikes under U.S. and international law, with critics urging that Congress authorize such military engagements; some view the attacks as potentially illegal and akin to extrajudicial killings.
The Venezuelan government accused the US of extrajudicial murder and stated that the strikes, along with US naval buildup, threaten regime change; Venezuelan President Maduro condemned the attacks as hostile actions against Venezuela.
History
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