In a statement released by the White House on October 2, Trump said the U.S. is involved in a “non-international armed conflict” with transnational cartels responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans each year.
“These cartels have become transnational in nature and continue to launch attacks across the Western Hemisphere,” the statement read. “President Trump considers drug cartels to be non-state armed groups, terrorist organizations, and their actions amount to armed attacks against the United States.”
Trump said he has directed the Department of Defense to act under the laws of armed conflict. “The time has come for America to use force to defend itself and others against these terrorist-designated organizations,” he declared. The statement emphasized that U.S. forces “remain ready to conduct necessary operations to prevent further loss of life by eliminating threats posed by these groups.”
A White House official noted the document had been sent to Congress on September 15, reminding lawmakers of their authority to demand reports after each military operation. “The letter does not convey any new information,” the official added.
Last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that traditional interdiction methods against drug-smuggling boats had failed, saying the U.S. would now “blow up” targets rather than chase them. Washington confirmed that U.S. forces attacked at least three suspected drug boats from Venezuela in recent weeks, killing 14 people, though no evidence was provided that the vessels carried narcotics.
NBC News reported on September 26 that the Pentagon is weighing the deployment of armed drones to strike cartel leaders, members, and drug labs inside Venezuela.
Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez condemned the U.S. approach as “lies,” accusing Washington of using anti-drug operations as a pretext to seize control of Venezuela’s natural resources.