ISTANBUL 

US President Donald Trump has reportedly signed a secret directive ordering the Pentagon to launch military operations against certain Latin American drug cartels, according to The New York Times, citing people familiar with the matter.

The secret order authorizes potential direct military action at sea and on foreign soil against Latin American drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations by the Trump administration.

US military officials have begun drafting plans to target the cartels. However, the move raises legal concerns, including whether using force outside an authorized conflict could be considered unlawful.

Upon returning to the presidency for a second term this January, Trump signed an order instructing the State Department to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, leading to the designation of groups like Tren de Aragua and MS-13.

The decision shows Trump’s strategy of using military forces in roles usually handled by law enforcement, as part of a broader effort to combat the trafficking of fentanyl and other illegal drugs.

Earlier this year Trump sent National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles, citing what he called public unrest and riots. The California governor and city leaders blasted the move, calling it both unnecessary and dangerous.

Critics say Trump wants to use the military, which is directly under his command, as his own personal police force, doing his bidding regardless of the law or the US Constitution.