Trump Directs Military Action Against Drug Cartels

President Donald Trump has reportedly issued an order for the U.S. military to take action against drug cartels, as highlighted by the New York Times. This directive categorizes certain cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Sources familiar with the situation, citing the publication, indicate that Pentagon officials are currently developing strategies to confront a network of Latin American criminals associated with the influx of illegal drugs into the U.S.

The new policy appears to establish a framework for potential military operations targeting these groups, although it’s uncertain when exactly Trump put these plans into effect. There could be legal implications arising from this unorthodox approach, yet it may provide a clear rationale for military engagement either on foreign soil or at sea.

Additionally, Trump has expanded the military’s involvement in immigration control. After resuming office, he sent thousands of troops to bolster security along the southern border. The Pentagon mentioned in June that it was considering a request from the Department of Homeland Security to assist with this initiative, which involves 20,000 personnel.

Earlier this year, Trump also managed to persuade Mexico to deploy 10,000 troops of its own to curb illegal immigration into the U.S., a move linked to a suspension of tariffs Trump had proposed.

As of now, the White House has not offered any comments regarding these developments, and the Pentagon has also chosen not to provide any statements.