President Donald Trump has officially declared that the United States is engaged in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels, as outlined in a memo to Congress.
This announcement follows a series of airstrikes targeting boats trafficking narcotics destined for American shores.
According to The Post Millennial, the memo, initially obtained by the Washington Examiner, informed Congress that the nation is involved in a "non-international armed conflict" with these criminal organizations.
The document emphasized, The President directed these actions consistent with his responsibility to protect Americans and United States interests abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests, pursuant to his constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive to conduct foreign relations.
While the memo was distributed to congressional committees, it notably omitted specific details about which cartels are directly involved in this conflict.
The memorandum further stated, The United States has now reached a critical point where we must use force in self-defense and defense of others against the ongoing attacks by these designated terrorist organizations. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly reiterated the administration's stance, asserting, "As we have said many times, the President acted in line with the law of armed conflict to protect our country from those trying to bring deadly poison to our shores, and he is delivering on his promise to take on the cartels and eliminate these national security threats from murdering more Americans."
In a strategic move earlier this year, the Trump administration deployed troops and warships to the Latin American coast to curb the cartels' influence. President Trump also indicated a strong resolve to address cartel activities on land, in addition to the maritime drug trafficking operations.
This decisive action underscores the administration's commitment to safeguarding American lives and interests against the persistent threat posed by these organizations.
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