Trump Unleashes Secret US Military Campaign Against Designated Enemies Without Congressional Approval

Trump Declares Secret Wars Against Designated Enemies Without Congressional Consent In a move that has sparked international concern, President Donald Trump has declared that the United States is engaged in a secret war against designated terrorist organizations or DTOs, without the consent of Congress. According to a confidential notice obtained by The Intercept, the administration has directed the Department of War to conduct operations against these groups, labeling three people killed on a boat in the Caribbean last month as "unlawful combatants." The notice, sent to several congressional committees this week, marks the most detailed explanation of the legal underpinnings offered by the administration for a series of lethal attacks on boats in the Caribbean that began last month. The move has been met with criticism from lawmakers and human rights groups, who argue that it undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent. "This is a significant departure from standard practice in the long-running U.S. war on drugs," said Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee. "The administration's decision to label these individuals as 'unlawful combatants' raises serious questions about due process and the right to life." According to experts, the move is also a departure from international law, which requires states to respect the sovereignty of other nations and adhere to humanitarian principles in times of conflict. "The Trump administration's actions are a clear violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions," said Dr. Mary Kaldor, a leading expert on international security at the London School of Economics. "This move sets a precedent for other countries to follow suit, which would have devastating consequences for global stability and human rights." The secret war has been waged in the Caribbean Sea, where U.S. military strikes have targeted boats suspected of being linked to DTOs. The administration has not disclosed the identities of those killed or injured in the attacks. Background on the issue is complex, with many countries struggling to combat organized crime and terrorism. However, experts argue that the use of lethal force without due process is a disproportionate response that undermines efforts to build trust and cooperation between nations. "This move will only serve to alienate us from our international partners and undermine our own national security," said Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "We need to work with other countries to develop effective counter-terrorism strategies, not resort to secret wars that disregard human rights." As the situation continues to unfold, lawmakers are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the administration. "We need to know more about these operations and the legal basis for them," said Rep. Schiff. "The American people have a right to know what their government is doing in their name." In response to questions from The Intercept, a White House spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, citing national security concerns. Current Status: The U.S. military has conducted several strikes against boats in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals. The administration has directed the Department of War to conduct operations against designated terrorist organizations or DTOs without Congressional consent. Lawmakers and human rights groups are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the administration. Next Developments: Congressional committees are expected to hold hearings on the matter in the coming weeks. International partners are likely to raise concerns about the move at upcoming meetings of the United Nations Security Council. *Reporting by Theintercept.*