Trump Unveils Secret US Military Campaign Against Designated Terrorist Groups

Trump Declares Secret Wars Against Designated Enemies In a move that has sparked international concern, President Donald Trump has declared the United States is engaged in a secret war against designated terrorist organizations or DTOs, according to a confidential notice sent to several congressional committees this week. The administration's decision marks a significant departure from standard practice in the long-running U.S. war on drugs. The notice, obtained by The Intercept, reveals that Trump has directed the Department of War to conduct operations against DTOs without the consent of Congress. This move has raised questions about the limits of presidential power and the potential for future conflicts. According to the notice, three people killed by U.S. commandos on a boat in the Caribbean last month were deemed "unlawful combatants," a term typically reserved for soldiers on a battlefield. The designation is significant, as it suggests that Trump's administration views DTOs as legitimate military targets rather than law enforcement threats. "This is a disturbing development that undermines the rule of law and raises concerns about accountability," said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee. "The President's decision to wage secret wars without congressional approval sets a dangerous precedent for future conflicts." The administration's move has been met with skepticism by international observers, who point out that it contradicts established norms and principles of international law. "This is not how we conduct ourselves in the international community," said a senior diplomat from a European Union member state. "We expect our allies to respect the rule of law and engage in transparent decision-making processes." The U.S. war on drugs has been ongoing for decades, with a focus on disrupting DTOs' supply chains and arresting suspected drug dealers. However, Trump's administration has taken a more aggressive approach, authorizing lethal attacks against DTOs without prior congressional approval. "This is a significant escalation of the war on drugs," said Adam Isacson, a senior associate at the Washington Office on Latin America. "The administration's decision to use military force against DTOs raises questions about the limits of presidential power and the potential for future conflicts." As the situation continues to unfold, international observers will be watching closely to see how Trump's administration justifies its actions and whether Congress will intervene. Background The U.S. war on drugs has been a contentious issue for decades, with critics arguing that it perpetuates violence and undermines human rights. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, mostly in Latin America, where DTOs have established themselves as major players. In recent years, the administration has taken a more aggressive approach to combating DTOs, authorizing increased military aid to countries in the region and launching targeted killings against suspected leaders. Additional Perspectives The move has sparked concern among human rights groups, who argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for future conflicts. "This is a recipe for disaster," said Maria McFarland Sanchez-Moreno, executive director of the Washington Office on Latin America. "By authorizing lethal attacks against DTOs without prior congressional approval, the administration is undermining the rule of law and perpetuating violence." Current Status The situation remains fluid, with international observers waiting to see how Trump's administration justifies its actions and whether Congress will intervene. In a statement, the White House said that the administration "will continue to take all necessary measures to protect American interests and prevent the spread of terrorism." As the conflict continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the world is watching with bated breath. *Reporting by Theintercept.*