P resident Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to prepare options for the possible use of U.S. military force against drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations, two U.S. officials confirmed to ABC News on Friday. One official said that any possible use of U.S. military assets is not imminent.

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

President Trump has reportedly signed a directive for the Pentagon to start using military force against certain drug cartels that have been designated foreign terrorist organizations. The New York Times reported Trump signed the directive in secret,