US media: Trump instructed the military to prepare for operations against drug cartels in Latin America
The New York Times reported on August 8, citing sources who knew the content of the documents, that President Trump issued a secret directive requiring the Pentagon to begin preparing to use military force against a series of drug cartels in Latin America that the government has designated as terrorist organizations.
The New York Times noted in its report that this document provides official justification for direct military action against drug cartels at sea and on foreign territory. However, the newspaper pointed out in the article that such actions raise legal controversies, including whether they comply with international law and U.S. law.
The New York Times noted in its report that during his first presidential term, Trump was "enthusiastic" about the idea of bombing Mexican drug laboratories, but such proposals caused anger from Mexican authorities. Nevertheless, the idea of using military force took root among Republicans and became one of the issues in the 2024 campaign. Trump had promised to send special forces and the navy to the voters, saying he would "declare war on drug cartels."
The New York Times wrote that the military has already been developing operational plans, but it remains unclear what legal opinions have been given by the White House, the Pentagon, and the State Department, and whether the Office of the Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice has reviewed the issue. The Department of Defense declined to comment.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1839930142505992/
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