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Trump Administration Approves Lethal Strikes on Drug Cartels

10/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Trump administration's classified legal opinion permits lethal strikes against drug cartels, claiming they pose an imminent threat to Americans.
The opinion expands the enemy-combatant category to include drug traffickers, raising due-process concerns.
The U.S. military has carried out at least four strikes in the Caribbean against cartel affiliates. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) expands lethal targeting authority.

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Story summary

Trump administration's classified legal opinion permits lethal strikes against drug cartels, claiming they pose an imminent threat to Americans.
The opinion expands the enemy-combatant category to include drug traffickers, raising due-process concerns.
The U.S. military has carried out at least four strikes in the Caribbean against cartel affiliates. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) expands lethal targeting authority.