The president's attacks target drug cartels, but serve a troubling political agenda.
On September 2, the US military sank a boat off Venezuela's coast, killing 11. Two more boats were hit on September 15 and 19, killing six. An October attack reported four fatalities.
Trump signed an executive order designating Latin American drug cartels as terrorist organizations on his second term's first day.
The State Department added Venezuela's Tren de Aragua to the list a month later. Trump notified Congress of an "armed conflict" with drug cartels.
Author's summary: Trump's attacks on drug cartels raise concerns.