Trump Governance Authorizes Military Action Against Suspected Drug vessel
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has authorized a military attack on a vessel in international waters, alleging it was carrying illegal drugs and traveling along a known drug trafficking route intended too harm Americans. The president stated intelligence confirmed the vessel’s illicit cargo and purpose, issuing a direct demand to cease the trafficking of fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the United States, “and end with violence and terror against Americans!”
This latest action follows a September 2nd military strike against a speedboat similarly suspected of drug smuggling, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals. The Trump administration identified the vessel’s operators as the Tren de Aragua gang, which was designated a foreign terrorist association earlier this year. Officials have defended the operation as a necessary step to curb the flow of narcotics into the country.
The recent attack has sparked controversy, with multiple senators - spanning both Democratic and Republican parties - and human rights organizations questioning its legality. Critics argue the use of military force for what is traditionally a law enforcement function constitutes an abuse of presidential power, according to reporting from the Associated Press.
Related: Trump: US forces killed 11 in attacks on drug boat
