The President of the United States, Donald Trump, secretly signed a directive addressed to the Pentagon to initiate the use of military force against certain Latin American drug cartels that his administration classifies as terrorist organizations, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.
This decision, which involves the direct participation of United States armed forces in the fight against drug trafficking, represents the most forceful action taken so far in the administration's campaign against the cartels. It also reflects Trump's willingness to employ military resources to curb the entry of fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the country.
The presidential order creates a formal basis for the possibility of conducting direct military operations both on the high seas and in foreign territory against these criminal organizations.
Donald Trump, presidente de Estados Unidos.
According to the same sources, United States Army officials are already evaluating alternatives regarding how military forces could act against the identified groups. The conversations are being held under strict confidentiality due to the sensitivity of the matter.
So far this year, Trump has already deployed National Guard personnel and active-duty troops to the southern border with the aim of curbing the entry of drugs and illegal immigrants, as well as strengthening surveillance and interdiction operations.
After his return to the presidency in January, he signed an order instructing the State Department to begin the process of classifying drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Donald Trump, presidente electo de Estados Unidos.
The president placed special focus on Venezuelan and Mexican criminal organizations. In February, the State Department declared the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua, the transnational gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), and several other groups as foreign terrorist organizations, stating that they represent "a threat to national security beyond that posed by traditional organized crime."
Just two weeks ago, the government added Venezuela's Cártel de los Soles to the list of specially designated global terrorist organizations, accusing dictator Nicolás Maduro and senior officials of his regime of its leadership.
Yesterday, the Departments of Justice and State announced that the United States will double, to 50 million dollars, the reward for information leading to the capture of Maduro, who has been formally charged with drug trafficking. The government again described him as the leader of the cartel, while Attorney General Pam Bondi asserted that "he will not escape justice and will be held accountable for his abhorrent crimes."
