Trump tells Congress US is in 'armed conflict' with cartels

President Donald Trump has said in a memo to Congress that the US is in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels. This comes after the administration has conducted air strikes on multiple boats trafficking drugs that were en route to the US.

The memo, first obtained by the Washington Examiner, told members of Congress that the US is involved in a "non-international armed conflict” with the cartels.

“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 read. The memorandum was sent to congressional committees but did not say what cartels were in direct conflict with the US.