President Donald Trump has taken a decisive step in the fight against drug cartels by signing an order that authorizes the Pentagon to engage militarily with Latin American drug organizations deemed as terrorist groups. This information was confirmed by sources directly involved in the matter.
Following his return to office in January, Trump has been aggressive in labeling various cartels and criminal organizations as foreign terrorist organizations, which include members like Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). The U.S. government aims to eliminate these groups’ influence and operations within American borders.
The scope of military action appears focused on Venezuelan and Mexican entities. In a statement, officials articulated that these cartels pose a significant national security threat that surpasses traditional organized crime challenges.
In conjunction with military efforts, the Justice Department announced a reward for information leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This initiative reflects the administration’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the drug trafficking networks connected to Maduro, who is alleged to use organizations such as Tren de Aragua (TdA) and the Cartel of the Suns to transport drugs into the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported substantial drug seizures, identifying 30 tons of cocaine tied to Maduro and his affiliates, with nearly seven tons directly associated with Maduro himself. This alarming statistic underscores the financial backbone that these cartels possess, heavily relying on the drug trade, a crisis further exacerbated by the inclusion of fentanyl in their products, which has devastated numerous American communities.
With these bold steps, the administration hopes to demonstrate a commitment to tackling drug-related violence and securing the safety and well-being of American citizens. The continued focus on disrupting these dangerous networks presents a proactive approach to one of the most pressing issues facing the nation today.