Trump declares “armed conflict” with drug cartels in the Caribbean

US President Donald Trump has described drug cartels as terrorist organizations and declared that the US is engaged in an “armed conflict” with them. This is according to a government memorandum that legitimizes the use of military force against drug smugglers in the Caribbean.

According to the AP news agency, the administration is using the document to defend a series of recent attacks on ships allegedly linked to drug gangs, particularly from Venezuela. Trump has ordered the Pentagon to act under the rules of martial law, raising questions about the constitutionality of his actions without congressional approval.

Critics warn of a dangerous precedent—secret military operations without a proper legal framework.

Lawyer Matthew Waxman compared Trump's actions to George Bush's practices after the September 11 attacks, but pointed out that Bush had a mandate from Congress—Trump, on the other hand, does not.

(lup)