(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump told Congress that the U.S. is engaged in "armed conflict" with drug cartels in the Caribbean shortly after ordering four military strikes on suspected drug boats in the region.

"The President determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations," according to the confidential notice the administration sent to Congress. Trump directed the U.S. Department of War to "conduct operations against them pursuant to the law of armed conflict."

"The United States has now reached a critical point where we must use force in self-defense and defense of others against the ongoing attacks by these designated terrorist organizations," the memo said.

Trump ordered military strikes on Sept. 2

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