Pentagon notice to Congress outlines legal basis for military action against cartel groups in the Caribbean.
President Trump has determined that the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with certain drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations, according to a Pentagon notice sent to Congress. The Defense Department said the decision authorizes military force against cartel-linked targets, including a September 15 strike on a boat in the Caribbean believed to be connected to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua group.
“The cartels involved have grown more armed, well organized, and violent. They have the financial means, sophistication, and paramilitary capabilities needed to operate with impunity,” the notice stated. “These groups are now transnational and conduct ongoing attacks throughout the Western Hemisphere as organized cartels.”
The U.S. conducted at least three military strikes against cartels last month, reportedly killing 17 members.
The administration’s legal position reclassifies cartel members as “unlawful combatants,” permitting military action under Article II of the Constitution without a formal declaration of war.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for President Trump and Secretary Hegseth as they work to prevent drug cartels from trafficking narcotics into the U.S.
- For members of Congress as they receive the notice and assess the armed trafficking efforts of the cartels.
Sources: CNN, MSN
