Trump Administration Creates Dubious "Terrorist" Label to Justify Deadly Drone Strikes

Trump Administration Conjures Up New "Terrorist" Designation to Justify Killing Civilians In a move widely criticized by human rights advocates and international experts, the Trump administration has introduced a new label to justify drone strikes against non-combatants in the Caribbean. According to sources familiar with a recent briefing on Capitol Hill, the U.S. military is relying on Article 2 of the Constitution and claiming that suspected drug traffickers are affiliated with designated terrorist organizations (DTOs). The development comes as the administration faces mounting pressure over its lethal attacks on boats in the region since last month. In a two-page War Powers letter to Congress following the first boat strike on September 2, President Donald Trump invoked the vague phrase "affiliated with DTOs," which has previously appeared in government publications but lacks a clear definition. "This label is meaningless," said a defense official who did not attend the briefing and spoke to The Intercept on condition of anonymity. "It's a way for the administration to justify killing civilians without having to follow due process or adhere to international law." The introduction of this new designation has sparked concerns among human rights groups, who argue that it undermines the principles of distinction and proportionality in warfare. "This is a classic example of the 'terrorist' label being used as a euphemism for 'we don't know what we're doing,'" said Sarah Knuckey, director of the Global Justice Clinic at New York University School of Law. The use of Article 2 of the Constitution to justify drone strikes has also been criticized by international experts. "This is a misinterpretation of the law," said Mary Ellen O'Connell, a professor of law at Notre Dame University who specializes in international humanitarian law. "Article 2 does not provide a blanket authority for the president to wage war without congressional approval." The Trump administration's actions have been met with skepticism by many countries in the region. In a statement, the Organization of American States (OAS) expressed concern over the use of force and called on the U.S. to respect international law. As the situation continues to unfold, human rights advocates are urging the U.S. government to provide clear evidence of the alleged terrorist affiliations of those targeted in the drone strikes. "The administration needs to come clean about what it's doing and why," said Knuckey. "We can't just accept their word for it." Background: The use of drone strikes by the Trump administration has been a contentious issue since its inception. Critics argue that these attacks often result in civilian casualties, which is a violation of international humanitarian law. Context: The U.S. military's reliance on Article 2 of the Constitution to justify drone strikes has sparked debate among experts and lawmakers. Some argue that this provision provides broad authority for the president to wage war without congressional approval. Perspectives: "This label is meaningless. It's a way for the administration to justify killing civilians without having to follow due process or adhere to international law." - Defense official "This is a classic example of the 'terrorist' label being used as a euphemism for 'we don't know what we're doing.'" - Sarah Knuckey, director of the Global Justice Clinic at New York University School of Law Current Status: The Trump administration's use of drone strikes in the Caribbean continues to raise concerns among human rights advocates and international experts. The U.S. government has yet to provide clear evidence of the alleged terrorist affiliations of those targeted in these attacks. Next Developments: As the situation unfolds, human rights groups are urging the U.S. government to provide transparency and accountability for its actions. The Organization of American States (OAS) has called on the U.S. to respect international law and provide clear evidence of any alleged terrorist affiliations. *Reporting by Theintercept.*