The US is in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, Donald Trump has declared.

In a memo to Congress, Mr Trump reportedly labelled the gangs “non-state armed groups” whose activities “constitute an armed attack” against America.

“Based upon the cumulative effects of these hostile acts against the citizens and interests of the United States and friendly foreign nations, the president determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organisations,” the memo reads.

The US president appeared to be making a bid to co-opt sweeping wartime powers that would allow him to launch military strikes on drug smugglers.

Under international law, countries in an “armed conflict” can kill enemy fighters who pose no immediate threat and detain them without trial.

The notice, seen by The New York Times, was sent to Congress citing a law which requires them to submit reports about hostilities that involve the military.

US president justifies recent airstrikes

Mr Trump also justified the US government’s recent airstrikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats, saying they had targeted “unlawful combatants”.

Some critics accused the administration of stepping beyond the bounds of international law with the attacks, which have killed dozens onboard. Mr Maduro’s government has accused the US of murdering its citizens.

Referring to the first airstrike on Sep 2, the notice stated: “The vessel was assessed by the US intelligence community to be affiliated with a designated terrorist organisation and, at the time, engaged in trafficking illicit drugs, which could ultimately be used to kill Americans.

“This strike resulted in the destruction of the vessel, the illicit narcotics, and the death of approximately three unlawful combatants.”