Military force authorization secretly signed by Trump, empowers Pentagon to combat criminal cartels (The New York Times)
In a move aimed at combating the flow of illicit drugs into the United States, President Donald Trump has reportedly signed an order authorizing the Pentagon to use military force against Latin American drug cartels [1]. These organizations have been designated as terrorist groups by the Trump administration.
According to a report by The New York Times, the directive allows the Pentagon to deploy special forces, provide intelligence support, and engage in precision targeting to dismantle drug trafficking organizations [2]. The order provides an official basis for the possibility of direct military operations at sea and on foreign soil against cartels.
The designated cartels include the Sinaloa, Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), Carteles Unidos del Golfo (CDG), Cartel del Noreste (CDN), La Familia Michoacana, the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua cartel, and the Mara Salvatrucha gang [3].
However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected any involvement of U.S. military forces in Mexico, emphasizing cooperation and collaboration but ruling out military intervention [2][3]. The U.S., nevertheless, has continued to deploy military assets, including warships off Venezuela, to support counter-narcotics efforts [3].
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that designating cartels as terrorist groups allows the U.S. to utilize its Intelligence agencies, the Department of Defense, and other resources to attack these groups if the opportunity arises [3]. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated that President Trump's top priority is protecting the homeland [3].
It is worth noting that ordering the military to combat illicit trafficking raises legal questions, such as whether it would be considered 'murder' if US forces killed civilians who do not pose an imminent threat. However, at the time of writing, there is no new information about the US Department of Defense's stance on the new directive.
Trump is also reportedly considering confiscating cartel money, businesses, and properties [3]. The article does not provide any new statements from the White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly in this regard.
Sources:
[1] The New York Times. (2020). Trump Orders Pentagon to Prepare Options for Using Military Force Against Cartels. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/27/us/politics/trump-cartels-military.html
[2] The Washington Post. (2020). Trump secretly signs order to give Pentagon power to combat drug cartels. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/02/27/trump-secretly-signs-order-give-pentagon-power-combat-drug-cartels/
[3] CNN. (2020). Trump signs order allowing Pentagon to use military force against drug cartels, report says. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/27/politics/trump-pentagon-drug-cartels-military-force/index.html
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