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President Trump has declared a formal "armed conflict" with drug cartels, designating them as "unlawful combatants." This declaration follows recent U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean, some originating from Venezuela. The administration views these cartels as "nonstate armed groups" posing an "armed attack" against the U.S., a move experts and some lawmakers deem legally questionable and akin to a "secret war" without congressional consent.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.