Trump admin tells Congress it determined US engaged in formal 'armed conflict' with 'terrorist' drug cartels

Trump administration sends memo to Congress declaring drug cartels as terrorist organizations and announcing armed conflict status with these groups.

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The Trump administration sent a memo to Congress Thursday saying that the United States is now "in a non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels, which administration officials have designated as "terrorist organizations."

"The President directed these actions consistent with his responsibility to protect Americans and United States interests abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests, pursuant to his constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive to conduct foreign relations," the memo states. 

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Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to louis.casiano@fox.com.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-tells-congress-it-determined-us-engaged-formal-armed-conflict-with-terrorist-drug-cartels