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On Sunday, Donald Trump informed thousands of sailors stating that US forces targeted a second vessel unlawfully carrying drugs near the coast of the South American nation on Saturday night. He made these remarks during a ceremony marking the American navy's two hundred and fiftieth birthday at the Norfolk naval base in Virginia.

The president further declared asserting that America will now start focusing on narcotics smuggling occurring on land. This was not immediately clear if he was referring to a strike announced on Friday from defense secretary Secretary Hegseth.

Naval Involvement in Counter-Drug Operations

In his speech, the president commended naval forces their support of the mission aimed at eliminate cartel terrorists from the seas. Trump claimed, “There are no boats in the water anymore. You can’t find them”.

The navy has additionally been deployed to join a military engagement with narcotics organizations, resulting in four attacks across Caribbean waters targeting 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 warned.

Global Response and Legal Issues

UN officials has condemned American military actions—which Washington defends as counter narco-terrorist members belonging to Tren de Aragua, designated as a terrorist entity, in international waters—as unlawful killings.

Last month, United Nations experts declared, “International law does not allow governments to simply murder alleged drug traffickers”. They further noted, “Illegal activities must be disrupted, examined, and prosecuted following legal standards, with international collaboration”.

Navy Events Amid Government Closure

The naval anniversary events occur amid a shutdown of the federal government that has resulted in numerous military personnel working without pay. Trump blamed opposition Democrats of enabling the shutdown and attempting “to destroy this wonderful celebration of the US Navy’s Birthday”.

Friday evening, Trump 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”.

Rebuilding Naval Capacity and Leadership Changes

The president has pledged to restore the navy’s vessel construction capacity following concerns indicating the navy risks forfeiting its status as the globe's dominant maritime force.

America's naval fleet is at its smallest size since prior to the second world war, whereas government-supported Chinese shipyards exceed the output of US shipyards.

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, who was confirmed in March, has identified “urgency” as lacking in naval shipbuilding and ordered expedited manufacturing of the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs.

The naval festivities follow a period of turmoil in the Defense Department while Hegseth restructures the military’s top leadership across various service branches.

Recent Policies and Training Suggestions

In a controversial address to military leaders last week, Hegseth announced an end to progressive ideologies , unveiled new directives such as uniform physical standards in fitness tests.

“The sole objective of the reestablished Department of War is combat readiness, preparing for conflict and ensuring victory, steadfast and unwavering in this endeavor not because we desire war—nobody here does—but due to our dedication to peace,” Hegseth stated.

During the gathering, Trump suggested utilizing US cities for military exercises for the armed forces and spoke of needing military might to combat what he called the “invasion from within”.