Pentagon informs Congress US engaged in 'armed conflict' with drug cartels

Pentagon informs Congress US engaged in 'armed conflict' with drug cartels

The Pentagon has formally informed Congress that the United States is now engaged in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels, labeling them as unlawful combatants. This declaration comes on the heels of recent U.S. strikes on boats in the Caribbean . The memo, obtained by ABC News, was sent to several congressional committees and was first reported by The New York Times.

The move marks a significant shift in U.S. strategy against drug cartels, which have been a longstanding challenge for the country. The designation of drug cartels as unlawful combatants allows the U.S. to employ more aggressive military tactics and potentially expand its use of force. This decision is part of a broader effort to combat the influence and activities of these criminal organizations.

In response to the escalating conflict, the Pentagon is also urging U.S. defense contractors to significantly increase missile production rates. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon is pushing for a two to fourfold increase in production, citing concerns about potential conflicts with China . The acceleration targets several high-demand systems, including Patriot interceptors and Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM).

The urgency behind this request is driven by recent deployments of advanced missiles, such as those used in the "12-day war" with Iran and ongoing operations in Ukraine. These events have strained U.S. missile inventories, leading the Pentagon to seek substantial increases in production capacity.

The Pentagon's efforts to scale up missile production face several challenges, including long lead times and strict supplier qualifications. However, manufacturers are beginning to expand their capacities in anticipation of increased orders. For instance, Boeing has completed a 35,000-square-foot build-out, while Northrop Grumman has invested over $1 billion to grow its solid rocket motor capacity.

This strategic move by the Pentagon underscores the evolving nature of U.S. defense priorities and the increasing focus on addressing non-state actors and transnational threats. As the conflict with drug cartels intensifies, the U.S. will need to continue investing in its military capabilities to maintain a robust defense posture.