Trump has directed the Pentagon to prepare options for the possible use of U.S. military force against drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations, officials say.

The president has ordered the Pentagon to use the armed forces to carry out what in the past was considered law enforcement.

US President Donald Trump has secretly directed the Pentagon to prepare for military action against certain Latin American drug cartels his administration has labeled terrorist organizations. The move marks the most aggressive step yet in his effort to curb fentanyl and other drug trafficking.