Trump Deploys 4,000 Marines to Fight Cartels

The Trump administration will be deploying an additional 4,000 Marines from the US military in the waters around Latin America in order to combat the drug cartels, according to a new report from CNN.

Citing two US defense officials, the outlet reported that the move is part of a broader mission to ready military assets to target the drug cartels. A third person familiar with the plans told the outlet that the additional military assets are “aimed at addressing threats to US national security from specially designated narco-terrorist organizations in the region.”

Included in the deployment is the Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, reporting to US Southern Command. The effort has reportedly been underway for the past three weeks.

A P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, nuclear-powered submarine, multiple destroyers, and a guided-missile cruiser are also being allocated to US Southern Command as part of the effort. One of the officials told the outlet that the buildup of the military assets is meant to show the force of the US military rather than the targeting of the cartels.

However, having the military assets at the ready allows for more options if Trump orders military action to take place.