Trump Declares Drug Cartels 'Unlawful Combatants' in Non-International Armed Conflict

Presidential Declaration on Drug Cartels

• 🇺🇸 President Trump has declared drug cartels to be "unlawful combatants".
• ⚡ This declaration signifies that the U.S. is now in a "non-international armed conflict".
• 📜 This determination is based on a memo obtained by NewsNation, shared with members of Congress by top Pentagon officials.

Context of the Declaration

• 🚢 The declaration follows recent military strikes conducted by the U.S. on alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean.
• ⚠️ This action has raised concerns among members of Congress regarding the legal framework and the role of Congress in such operations.
• 🗣️ Democrats have been urging the president to seek war powers authority from Congress for these operations.

Potential Future Actions

• 🇻🇪 The administration has not ruled out potential strikes on drug cartels operating in Venezuela.
• 🏛️ A closed-door classified briefing on recent strikes has already taken place, highlighting concerns from senators on both sides of the aisle.