White House Justifies Caribbean Strikes as War, Not Murder — The New York Times

President Donald Trump has formally declared that the United States is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels his administration has designated as terrorist groups. A confidential notice sent to Congress this week states that the move grants the military extraordinary powers, including the ability to strike targets without trial and detain suspects indefinitely.

Source The New York Times

The notice argues that recent U.S. strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea — which killed 17 people — should be considered lawful acts of war rather than unlawful killings. The administration labeled the suspected smugglers “unlawful combatants,” claiming they were transporting drugs for cartels tied to terrorism.

Legal experts and lawmakers have raised concerns, warning that the administration is overstepping its authority. Critics say the vague legal rationale could allow the president to expand military actions against anyone he labels as an “enemy.”