The President's Daily Brief PDB Afternoon Bulletin | October 3rd, 2025: Trump Declares Formal 'Armed Conflict' Against Drug Cartels & US Military Begins Troop Drawdown In Iraq
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Oct 3, 2025 A declaration from the White House has essentially put the U.S. at war with drug cartels, labeling them as enemy combatants. The discussion includes recent naval deployments and airstrikes targeting drug smuggling vessels. There’s a focus on possible covert actions in Mexico and Venezuela. Meanwhile, the Pentagon announces a troop drawdown in Iraq, marking the end of a long military presence. As the U.S. shifts its focus to Syria, questions linger about the remaining ISIS threat.
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Cartels Labeled Combatants
- The Trump administration declared a non-international armed conflict with Latin American cartels, treating members as unlawful combatants.
- That designation expands presidential war powers to target, detain, or try cartel members under the law of armed conflict.
Lethal Strikes On Smuggling Vessels
- The U.S. has militarized regional waters with destroyers, submarines, marines, and surveillance aircraft.
- Recent lethal strikes destroyed narco vessels, including one carrying over 2,200 pounds of cocaine and killing three suspects.
Expansion Risks And Legal Pushback
- The memo signals potential expansion of U.S. military intervention into Mexico and Venezuela despite diplomatic pushback.
- Legal and congressional challenges could shape how far the White House takes the campaign southward.