A report in the New York Times states that President Donald Trump secretly signed an order authorizing the use of military force against “certain Latin American drug cartels.” These cartels were previously designated by President Trump and the U.S. Department of State as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO).

The Times says the action “signals Mr. Trump’s continued willingness to use military forces to carry out what has primarily been considered a law enforcement responsibility to curb the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs.”

The newspaper cites “people familiar with the matter” and says the order provides an official basis for direct military operations at sea or on foreign soil against cartels.

The Times reports:

U.S. military officials have started drawing up option

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