Trump says U.S. in 'armed conflict' with drug cartels in Caribbean

 President Donald Trump has informed Congress that the U. S. is in a state of "armed conflict" with drug cartels in the Caribbean, leading to military strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking. This marks a significant change in U. S. policy regarding drug enforcement.

• Trump ordered four military strikes against suspected drug boats on September 2, September 15, September 19, and October 3, resulting in 21 deaths linked to various drug-related activities.

• The strikes targeted the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and were justified as being crucial for self-defense against the threat posed by these cartels.

• After taking office for his second term, Trump classified Mexican cartels, Tren de Aragua, and Salvadoran MS-13 as foreign terrorist organizations.

• U. S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated these strikes would continue until the attacks on Americans stop, with ongoing enforcement to intercept drug trafficking.

• Critics, including David Bier from the Cato Institute, argue that these military actions are illegal and unconstitutional, as military force can't be used for law enforcement without Congressional approval.

• Following one airstrike, Dominican authorities seized a significant amount of cocaine, indicating some success in disrupting drug trafficking.

• Bier noted that while these actions might temporarily reduce trafficking routes near Venezuela, they won't significantly impact overall U. S. drug supply.

• The White House supports Trump's actions as necessary for national security.

• Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for a criminal investigation into Trump's military strikes, arguing that they disproportionately target unarmed individuals.

• Vice President J. D. Vance defended the military strikes as essential for protection against drug-related crime, while U. S. Senator Rand Paul criticized the idea of executing individuals without trial.

The U. S. military strikes against drug cartels represent a new approach in combating drug trafficking, raising legal and ethical concerns. While some support the measures as necessary for national security, significant criticism points to the potential human rights implications and the long-term effectiveness of these actions. 

https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_5f020b10-3498-414d-98ae-3c4d82d634c6.html