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Sunday, President Trump told a large gathering of sailors stating that US forces targeted another vessel unlawfully carrying drugs near the coast of Venezuela the previous evening. He delivered this statement during an event celebrating the American navy's 250th anniversary held at the Norfolk naval base in Virginia.

The president further stated asserting that America will also start focusing on narcotics smuggling taking place on land. This remained certain whether he was referring to an operation announced last Friday by defense secretary Pete Hegseth.

Naval Involvement in Counter-Drug Operations

In his speech, Trump commended the navy for supporting operations aimed at eliminate cartel terrorists from the seas. He claimed, “There are no boats in the water anymore. You can’t find them”.

The navy have additionally been deployed in a military engagement against drug cartels, leading to four attacks in the Caribbean targeting what the administration says are speedboats engaged in drug trafficking.

“Should drug smugglers cease arriving by sea, we must turn our attention to land routes, as they will be compelled to travel overland. Let me assure you, that will not end favorably for them,” the president stated.

International Response and Juridical Concerns

UN officials have censured American military actions—actions that Washington justifies by claiming they counter narco-terrorist members belonging to the Tren de Aragua group, classified a foreign terrorist organization, in international waters—labeling them unlawful killings.

Last month, the UN stated, “Governments are not permitted under international law to summarily execute suspected drug traffickers”. They added, “Criminal activities should be disrupted, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the rule of law, including through international cooperation”.

Navy Celebrations During Federal Shutdown

The naval anniversary events take place during a shutdown of the US government that has resulted in some military personnel serving unpaid. Trump blamed opposition Democrats of enabling the shutdown and trying “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.

On Friday night, the president posted on his social media site, “I believe, ‘THE SHOW MUST GO ON!’ This will be the largest Celebration in the History of the Navy. Thousands of our brave Active Duty Servicemembers and Military Families will be in attendance, and I look forward to this special day with all of them”.

Restoring Maritime Strength and Command Changes

The president vowed to rebuild the naval shipbuilding capability following concerns indicating the service risks forfeiting its status as the world’s dominant naval power.

America's naval fleet stands at its smallest size from prior to the second world war, while state-subsidized China's shipbuilding yards exceed the productivity of US shipyards.

Navy secretary John Phelan, appointed in March, has identified “urgency” as lacking in naval shipbuilding and directed an accelerated production schedule for new submarine classes.

The navy celebrations follow months of turmoil in the Defense Department while Secretary Hegseth restructures the armed forces' senior command across various service branches.

Recent Policies and Preparation Proposals

During a contentious speech to senior officers recently, the defense secretary announced an end to progressive ideologies and unveiled new directives such as “gender-neutral” or “male-level” standards for physical fitness.

“The only mission of the newly restored Department of War is this: warfighting, preparing for war and preparing to win, unrelenting and uncompromising in that pursuit not because we want war, no one here wants war, but it’s because we love peace,” Hegseth affirmed.

At the meeting, Trump proposed using American urban areas as training grounds for troops , discussed needing armed strength to address what he called the “invasion from within”.