The Brief

The U.S. is now in a "non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels, according to a Trump administration memo obtained by the Associated Press.

The move has sparked controversy, with some lawmakers and human rights groups questioning the use of military force for law enforcement and warning of executive overreach.

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump has declared drug cartels as unlawful combatants and said the United States is now in a "non-international armed conflict."

This is according to a Trump administration memo obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday.

US now in ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels

Congress was notified about the designation by Pentagon officials on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment

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