Trump Says Declaration of War Not Needed on Drug Cartels
President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing issue of drug cartels on Thursday, sharing insights into his administration’s operations against these criminal organizations. He emphasized that while he does not believe a formal declaration of war is necessary, the U.S. will initiate land operations targeting drug traffickers.
We’re going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country, Trump stated boldly during a press conference at the White House. The recent military operations have seen the U.S. increase its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying guided-missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, and even a nuclear submarine, alongside thousands of troops. Since early September, approximately 40 individuals have been killed in U.S. strikes on suspected drug vessels in both the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, with some operations reported to take place near Venezuela.
Trump also highlighted the need to address land-based drug trafficking, saying, Now they (drugs) are coming in by land… the land is going to be next. This statement reiterates his previous remarks regarding the escalation of U.S. actions against drug cartels.
In a related development, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro warned against U.S. intervention, stating that it would incite widespread civil unrest and resistance from the working class. Additionally, Trump defended the controversial decision to repatriate two suspected drug traffickers who survived a U.S. military strike, comparing it to practices from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
The complexities surrounding U.S. military operations against drug cartels continue to provoke debate, as the administration seeks to combat the drug crisis without engaging in a formal war. By reaffirming that a declaration of war is not needed, Trump aims to streamline efforts in curtailing drug trafficking while maintaining a focus on U.S. safety.
In summary, President Trump’s stance underscores a tactical approach to combatting drug cartels, highlighting the urgency of addressing the drug issue while opting against a full-scale declaration of war. The ongoing efforts reflect a determined mission to protect the U.S. from the influx of drugs without escalating military involvement to a formal conflict.