DENVER — As bipartisan investigations continue into the U.S. military attacks on alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and the Pacific, there are questions about the legal justification for such actions.

The Trump administration has designated drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, or FTOs, and has been framing the attacks as self-defense.

A strike on Sept. 2 near Venezuela , in which a follow-up strike killed survivors, has led to congressional hearings.

CU Boulder law professor Maryam Jamshidi told Denver7 the FTO designation was intended for those engaged in acts like hijacking, sabotage, and using biological weapons.

“It doesn't give the U.S. government authority to kill anyone. So the FTO designation does not open up the possibility for murder, killing, ass

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