Exclusive Insight: Justice Department’s Secret Approval for Targeting Cartels Revealed!

The Trump administration has revealed a classified opinion from the Justice Department that supports lethal actions against various drug cartels and traffickers. This opinion asserts that the president can authorize deadly force against these groups because they are viewed as an immediate threat to American citizens.

According to several sources, the list of cartels affected goes beyond those publicly labeled as terrorist organizations. Legal experts highlight that this opinion could lead to an open-ended conflict, allowing the president to classify drug traffickers as enemies. Traditionally, drug traffickers have been treated as criminals with certain legal protections.

One former Pentagon lawyer raised concerns, noting that under this logic, any group trafficking drugs could be labeled as attacking the U.S., justifying lethal action. Recently, the Defense Department informed lawmakers that the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with these cartels, leaning heavily on the DOJ’s legal opinion. Congress has requested a copy of this opinion but hasn’t received it so far.

So far, the U.S. military has executed multiple strikes against boats linked to these cartels, leading to deaths the administration attributes to members of designated terrorist organizations. The latest strike reportedly killed four individuals, according to a post from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Interestingly, not all military lawyers agree with this approach. Some question the legality of targeting suspected drug traffickers, suggesting that the strikes may not stand up under scrutiny. Military lawyers, typically cautious in dissenting, often feel they must comply with the directives coming from higher up.

This legal stance is part of a broader strategy to combat drug cartels, which also grants the CIA expanded powers for covert operations. Reportedly, President Trump issued a directive earlier this year to enhance military actions against cartels operating in Latin America. The CIA is now reportedly using armed drones for reconnaissance over Mexico, reflecting a significant shift in tactics.

Past presidential directives on drug cartels date back to the 1980s but have often been subject to debate. The current administration appears to be looking for ways to clarify these guidelines, potentially leading to more assertive actions in the fight against drug trafficking.

It’s noteworthy that the implications of these military actions are not without risk. Unlike previous operations, U.S. citizens and legal residents in Latin America may seek legal recourse if harmed, presenting a new challenge for U.S. operations.

For more details on the legal implications of the government’s stance, you can read about it in the CNN report.

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