President Donald Trump announced the U.S. is considering land-based strategies in Latin America to combat drug trafficking, following multiple strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. The administration has faced criticism for the legal implications of these strikes, which have been framed as part of a ‘non-international armed conflict.’
Trump’s comments came after the U.S. military conducted at least five fatal strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean since September. In a recent press briefing, Trump stated that the administration is now focusing on land operations because the sea has been effectively controlled, noting that there have been days when no drug boats were found, which he viewed as a positive development. He argued that traditional Coast Guard methods of stopping drug boats have been ineffective for three decades, prompting a shift toward more aggressive land-based tactics.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the legality of the strikes, particularly as the White House has declared the U.S. is engaged in a ‘non-international armed conflict’ with drug smugglers. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed reservations about the legality of these actions, leading to the filing of a war powers resolution to limit military engagement with non-state organizations. Despite the resolution failing in the Senate, several prominent senators, including both Republicans and Democrats, supported it, indicating widespread concerns about the potential for escalating conflict.
In addition to the maritime strikes, the Trump administration has authorized covert operations in Venezuela, citing the country’s alleged role in drug trafficking and the release of prisoners into the U.S. While Trump confirmed the CIA’s involvement, he declined to comment on whether the agency had the authority to target Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who he has previously labeled a leader of a drug cartel. The White House has also designated several drug cartel groups as foreign terrorist organizations, signaling a firm stance against these groups as an extension of the broader global war on drugs.
As these policies continue to unfold, the administration’s approach to combating drug trafficking through both maritime and land-based strategies, as well as its involvement in covert operations abroad, remains a contentious issue among policymakers and the public. The effectiveness and legality of these actions will likely remain a focal point in the ongoing debate over U.S. foreign policy and counter-narcotics efforts.