US Claims Armed Conflict with Drug Cartels Amid International Outrage
The Trump administration has notified Congress that the United States is now in a non-international armed conflict with drug cartels, according to a person familiar with the notification. This move comes as the US military conducted strikes on three boats in the Caribbean last month, killing 17 people and sparking widespread international condemnation.
The administration's claim of an armed conflict aims to justify the strikes, which were carried out under a novel legal theory that the US is under attack by drug cartels. The notification was provided by senior Pentagon officials as part of an attempt to explain the Trump administration's legal arguments for the strikes, including a classified briefing to members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.
"This is a desperate attempt to justify the use of force without proper authorization," said Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "The administration is trying to rewrite the rules of war to suit their own agenda."
The strikes in question took place on May 27, targeting three boats allegedly carrying cocaine from Venezuela. The operation was carried out by US Navy SEALs and resulted in the deaths of 17 people, including several civilians.
The Trump administration's claim of an armed conflict with drug cartels has been met with skepticism by international observers. "This is a clear attempt to blur the lines between war and law enforcement," said Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno, executive director of the Washington Office on Latin America. "It's a dangerous precedent that could lead to further militarization of our borders."
The administration's move has also raised concerns about the potential for escalation in the region. "This is not just about drug trafficking; it's about the use of force without accountability," said Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Under international law, non-international armed conflicts are typically characterized by prolonged and intense violence between government forces and organized armed groups. The Trump administration's claim that the US is in such a conflict with drug cartels has been met with criticism from human rights groups and international organizations.
The notification to Congress marks the latest development in a long-standing effort by the Trump administration to justify its use of force against alleged Venezuelan narco-traffickers. In 2019, the administration imposed sanctions on several high-ranking officials in Venezuela's government, accusing them of involvement in drug trafficking.
As the situation continues to unfold, international observers will be watching closely for any further developments. The US Congress is expected to hold hearings on the matter in the coming weeks.
Background:
The Trump administration has long been critical of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government, which it accuses of allowing narco-trafficking to flourish in the country. In 2019, the administration imposed sanctions on several high-ranking officials in Venezuela's government, accusing them of involvement in drug trafficking.
Additional Perspectives:
"This is a classic example of the 'war on terror' mentality, where any perceived threat is met with military force," said Mark Weisbrot, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research.
"The administration's claim that the US is under attack by drug cartels is a clear exaggeration," said Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Current Status:
The Trump administration's notification to Congress marks a significant development in its efforts to justify its use of force against alleged Venezuelan narco-traffickers. As the situation continues to unfold, international observers will be watching closely for any further developments.
*Reporting by Theguardian.*
