Antiwar News With Dave DeCamp 10/3/25: Trump: US in 'Armed Conflict' With Drug Cartels, IDF Kills Dozens in Southern Gaza, and More
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Oct 3, 2025 In a provocative discussion, Trump declares a military conflict with drug cartels, framing them as armed groups to justify action. Tensions rise as Venezuela detects U.S. fighter jets near its coast. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes lead to numerous casualties in Gaza, prompting international outrage, especially after an Israeli drone attack kills civilian engineers in Lebanon. The U.S. also stirs controversy with demands on Iran and support for Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure, all while Ukraine promotes a controversial figure to general.
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US Claims Armed Conflict With Cartels
- The Trump administration claims the U.S. is in a "non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels to justify military strikes.
- Dave DeCamp argues this legal framing is weak because cartels lack organized armed forces and police interdiction was the standard option.
Legal Thresholds Undermine War Claim
- International law requires organized command structures and minimum intensity for non-international armed conflicts.
- DeCamp notes U.S. intelligence describes Tren de Aragua as decentralized, undermining the administration's war claim.
Demand Written Legal Justifications
- Scrutinize legal justifications for military actions and demand written rationales from officials.
- Hold Congress and the Pentagon accountable when lawyers refuse to provide documentation for strikes.
