Overview

• The notice describes designated cartels as nonstate armed groups and labels suspected smugglers unlawful combatants.
• It outlines the legal basis for three September strikes on suspected smuggling boats in the Caribbean that killed 17 people.
• The White House says the president acted under the law of armed conflict in self-defense to stop narcotics flows.
• Legal experts and Sen. Jack Reed question whether drug trafficking meets the threshold for an armed conflict and seek evidence and oversight.
• The memo does not name specific cartels or detail U.S. force commitments, leaving the scope and rules of the campaign unclear.