US Media: Trump's Secret Order Includes 24 Drug Gangs
According to The New York Times, US President Donald Trump issued a secret order to the Pentagon that included the names of 24 drug gangs smuggling drugs into the United States, requiring military strikes against these groups at sea.
The newspaper previously reported that in August 2025, Trump signed a secret directive requiring the Pentagon to prepare for actions against drug gangs in Latin America. According to the report, the document stipulated the use of military force outside the United States.
The article states: "The document instructed (Pentagon head Pete) Hegseth to pursue ships transporting drugs for any of these 'drug terrorism' organizations in international waters. The list in the attachment includes several organizations from Venezuela."
The report said that this secret list covers large drug cartels and groups previously designated by the Trump administration as terrorist organizations.
The United States justifies its military presence in the Caribbean region under the pretext of combating drug trafficking. In September and October this year, the United States repeatedly used its armed forces near Venezuelan waters to destroy ships allegedly carrying drugs. NBC Television reported in late September that the US military was studying plans to strike drug traffickers in Venezuela. On November 3, Trump said that Maduro's time in power in Venezuela would soon end, while he claimed the US did not intend to go to war with Venezuela. Caracas considers these actions as provocative acts aimed at destabilizing the region, violating international agreements on the demilitarization and nuclear-free status of the Caribbean region.
Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zarakhova previously stated that the US's military actions in the Caribbean are drawing increasing questions, and Russia firmly supports Venezuela in this situation.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1852707873325322/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.