Title: US Strikes Caribbean Drug Traffickers in Continued War Against Cartels The United States has carried out another strike against an alleged drug vessel operating in the Caribbean Sea, marking the 10th such operation since early September. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that a lethal kinetic strike was conducted at President Trump’s direction, targeting a vessel operated by Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) trafficking narcotics in the region. This comes after two U.S. Air Force B-1 bombers flew what was described as a training mission over the Caribbean Sea on Thursday, sources familiar with the operation told ABC News. The strikes are part of what the administration has called its “war” against drug cartels and have raised several legal questions, as past administrations relied on law enforcement to interdict drug shipments. However, President Trump stated that they were finally treating the cartels as a core national security threat. The president was asked if he would seek a traditional declaration of war from Congress as they ramp up their campaign against drug cartels and traffickers but responded that it might not be necessary. Historically, the United States has been involved in various operations to combat drug trafficking in Latin America. These efforts have included both military and law enforcement actions aimed at disrupting the supply chains of major drug cartels operating throughout the region. The current administration’s decision to use lethal force against suspected drug traffickers marks a shift from previous strategies, which focused more on interdiction and apprehension rather than direct confrontation with these organizations. The potential implications of this new approach are significant. By treating drug cartels as national security threats, the United States is essentially elevating their status to that of terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda or ISIS. This could lead to increased military involvement in Latin America and potentially other regions where drug trafficking is prevalent. It also raises questions about how far the U.S. government will go in its efforts to combat these organizations, particularly if it means engaging in armed conflict with them. From a broader perspective, this development highlights the growing global concern over illicit drug trade and its impact on national security. As countries continue to grapple with the challenges posed by transnational criminal networks, we can expect to see more aggressive measures taken against those involved in these activities. While the use of lethal force may be effective in disrupting drug trafficking operations, it remains to be seen whether this approach will ultimately lead to a reduction in drug-related violence and crime or simply escalate an already volatile situation. In conclusion, the United States’ decision to target suspected drug traffickers with lethal force marks a significant shift in its strategy for combating drug cartels. While it remains unclear what impact this new approach will have on global efforts to curb illicit drug trade, one thing is certain: the stakes are higher than ever before, and nations must continue to work together to address this complex issue head-on.
Source: [Original Article](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-strikes-alleged-drug-vessel-caribbean-sea/story?id=126830307)
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