Trump Declares Caribbean Drug Cartels "Unlawful Combatants"
In a move that has sparked both praise and criticism from lawmakers and international leaders, President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that drug cartels operating in the Caribbean are "unlawful combatants." This designation, according to a White House memo obtained by the Associated Press, also means that the United States is now in a non-international armed conflict.
The move comes after the US military conducted strikes on three boats in the Caribbean Sea last month that killed 17 people and triggered widespread international outrage. The Pentagon officials notified Congress about the designation on Wednesday, according to a US official familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly.
"This is a clear indication of the administration's willingness to take bold action against these cartels," said Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), a long-time advocate for tougher measures against organized crime. "We have been calling for this kind of designation for years, and I'm glad to see it finally happen."
However, not everyone is pleased with the move. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) expressed concerns that the designation could lead to further militarization of the region and exacerbate human rights abuses. "This administration has a history of using military force without proper oversight or consideration for civilian casualties," she said.
The designation as "unlawful combatants" means that individuals affiliated with these cartels can be targeted by US forces, even if they are not directly involved in hostilities against the United States. The move also raises questions about the implications for human rights and international law.
"This is a slippery slope," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a human rights expert at the University of Miami. "If we start targeting individuals based on their affiliation with a group, rather than their actions, it sets a dangerous precedent for future conflicts."
The US military has been conducting operations in the Caribbean to disrupt the flow of illicit goods and combat organized crime. The strikes last month were part of this effort, but the move to designate these cartels as "unlawful combatants" marks a significant escalation.
As the situation continues to unfold, lawmakers and international leaders will be closely watching the administration's next moves. The implications of this designation are far-reaching, and its impact on regional stability and human rights remains to be seen.
Background:
The US has been working to disrupt the flow of illicit goods in the Caribbean for years, but the recent strikes have sparked controversy over civilian casualties and the use of military force. The designation as "unlawful combatants" is a key part of this effort, but it also raises questions about the administration's approach to organized crime and human rights.
Additional Perspectives:
A spokesperson for the White House declined to comment on the record.
The State Department did not respond to requests for comment.
The Pentagon has not released any official statements on the matter.
*Reporting by Theguardian.*
