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Sunday, President Trump told thousands of naval personnel that American military units had struck a second boat unlawfully transporting narcotics near the shoreline of Venezuela on Saturday night. The president delivered this statement during a ceremony marking the US navy’s two hundred and fiftieth birthday at the Norfolk naval base in Virginia.

Trump further stated that the United States would also begin addressing drug trafficking occurring overland. It remained certain if he mentioned an operation revealed on Friday from defense secretary Pete Hegseth.

Naval Involvement in Anti-Narcotics Missions

In his speech, the president commended naval forces their support of the mission to eliminate cartel terrorists from the seas. Trump claimed, “No more boats remain in the water. They are impossible to locate”.

The navy have additionally been deployed in an armed conflict with narcotics organizations, resulting in multiple attacks across Caribbean waters on what the administration says are fast-boats engaged in narcotics smuggling.

“If drug smugglers were not coming in by sea, we’ll have to start looking about the land because they’ll be forced to go by land. And let me tell you that’s not going to work out well for them either,” the president stated.

International Response and Juridical Issues

The United Nations have censured American military actions—which Washington justifies as counter narco-terrorist individuals belonging to Tren de Aragua, designated as a terrorist entity, in international waters—labeling them extrajudicial executions.

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

Naval Celebrations During Federal Closure

The naval anniversary events take place during a shutdown of the federal government which has resulted in numerous military personnel working unpaid. Trump has accused opposition Democrats for causing the government closure , attempting “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.

Friday evening, the president wrote on his social media site, “In my view, ‘THE SHOW MUST GO ON!’ This event will be the grandest in Navy history. Numerous courageous active-duty members and military families will participate, and I eagerly anticipate sharing this unique occasion with them”.

Rebuilding Maritime Strength and Leadership Changes

The president vowed to restore the naval shipbuilding capability after concerns that the navy risks losing its position as the world’s leading naval power.

America's naval fleet stands at its lowest numbers from before World War II, while government-supported China's shipbuilding yards exceed the output of US shipyards.

Secretary of the Navy Phelan, appointed this spring, noted immediate action as a missing element in warship production , ordered an accelerated production schedule for the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs.

The naval festivities come after a period of turmoil in the Defense Department as Hegseth rearranges the military’s senior command across various service branches.

Recent Policies and Preparation Suggestions

During a contentious speech to senior officers recently, the defense secretary announced a termination to “woke” culture and introduced new directives such as uniform physical 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,” the secretary stated.

At the meeting, Trump proposed utilizing US cities for military exercises for troops , discussed needing military might to address what he termed an internal invasion.