President Donald Trump has reportedly signed a clandestine directive authorizing military action against Latin American drug cartels.
According to Breitbart, this secret order aims to target these cartels, now labeled as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, with possible U.S. military operations abroad.
President Trump's secret order permits the U.S. military to launch operations against drug cartels classified as terrorist organizations. This directive allows the military to conduct operations at sea or on foreign territory, targeting these groups with significant force.
The U.S. Department of State has joined President Trump in labeling these cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, enabling military interventions against alleged threats to the United States. Concerns have arisen over whether the U.S. military could be legally exposed if civilians without an imminent threat are harmed during these operations.
Legal Complications in Military Actions Against Cartels
It remains unclear if the White House, Pentagon, or State Department legal teams have issued any opinions on the legality of President Trump's directive. Meanwhile, military officials are reportedly drafting plans for potential operations targeting cartel leaders and infrastructure. Citing legal ambiguities, there is ongoing speculation about the scope and methods of military action against the Latin American drug cartels. The fact that the United States has drones actively surveilling cartel activities and expanding its intelligence efforts in Mexico further underscores the complexity of the situation.
With this new directive, military interventions like drone strikes or special operations may focus on apprehending cartel figures in countries such as Mexico and Venezuela. Venezuela’s Cartel De Los Soles is one of the most prominent groups identified as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
Implications of Cartels as Terrorist Organizations
In addition to Venezuela’s designation, six Mexican drug cartels were labeled as foreign terrorist organizations earlier this year. This designation allows the U.S. to impose severe penalties, including asset freezes, on these groups.
Political ties between Mexico's elite and these criminal organizations have complicated intervention efforts. A prominent event in 2019 demonstrated cartel power when the Sinaloa Cartel coerced government forces to release a detained leader in Culiacán, Sinaloa.
The potential for military intervention, such as drone strikes on cartel installations, has been likened to past operations against the Taliban. Many Mexican citizens reportedly support the possibility of U.S. military help, given the escalating violence in their nation.
Military Planning and Potential Public Reaction
The Times mentioned that President Trump’s action reflects a continued willingness to use military strategies for what has traditionally been a law enforcement challenge, notably the fight against illegal drug flow.
People familiar with the discussions have indicated that the U.S. military is actively planning ways to address these designated groups. These initiatives indicate a shift towards a more militarized approach in combating drug-related threats.
Breitbart Texas’s Cartel Chronicles Project expressed that military intervention against cartels could positively impact Mexico, indicating local support for such measures. Opinions vary widely on the effectiveness and repercussions of potential military actions.
No set timeline has been announced for when these military operations might commence or exactly how they will be carried out against the identified cartels. However, the implications of the Foreign Terrorist Organization designation suggest significant changes may be forthcoming.
Donald Trump has initiated the authorization of military actions against Latin American drug cartels, branding them as terrorist organizations. This maneuver grants military engagements on foreign soil, sparking legal questions about civilian safety and potential international consequences. As military plans are developed, the U.S. advances its intelligence capabilities and explores potential drone strikes, marking a departure from traditional law enforcement approaches. With Mexican support for intervention reported, the path ahead remains uncertain.
