Trump admin says U.S. engaged in ‘armed conflict’ with drug smugglers after 4 boat strikes | 2 Oct 2025 | The Trump administration informed Congress Wednesday that the US is engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels. A Pentagon notice to lawmakers on several committees stated that “hostile acts” against Americans and allied nations led to the determination, the New York Times and Associated Press reported Thursday. President Trump had boasted about recent airstrikes eliminating four alleged Venezuelan drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean during a speech Monday at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. “If you try to poison our people, we will blow you out of existence,” Trump said, referencing the sinking of ships allegedly smuggling cocaine and fentanyl into the U.S.