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Sunday, President Trump told thousands of naval personnel that US forces had struck another boat unlawfully carrying drugs near the coast of Venezuela the previous evening. He delivered these remarks during a ceremony marking the American navy's 250th anniversary held at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

Trump additionally declared that the United States will now begin focusing on drug trafficking taking place on land. This remained certain whether Trump was referring to a strike announced last Friday from defense secretary Secretary Hegseth.

Navy's Involvement in Counter-Drug Missions

During his speech, Trump praised the navy for supporting operations to “blow the cartel terrorists the hell out of the water”. He asserted, “There are no boats in the water anymore. You can’t find them”.

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

Global Response and Juridical Issues

UN officials have condemned American military actions—actions that the US justifies by claiming they counter narco-terrorist members of the Tren de Aragua group, designated a foreign terrorist organization, on the high seas—labeling them unlawful killings.

Last month, United Nations experts stated, “Governments are not permitted under international law to summarily execute suspected drug traffickers”. The UN further noted, “Illegal activities must be disrupted, examined, and prosecuted following legal standards, with international collaboration”.

Navy Events During Federal Shutdown

The navy celebrations occur amid a shutdown of the federal government which has left some armed forces members working without pay. Trump blamed Democrats for causing the government closure and trying “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.

Friday evening, Trump wrote on social media, “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 Strength and Command Changes

The president vowed to rebuild the navy’s shipbuilding capability after warnings that the service is in danger of forfeiting its position as the world’s dominant maritime force.

The US fleet stands at its lowest numbers since prior to World War II, while government-supported China's shipbuilding yards have surpassed the productivity of US shipyards.

Navy secretary John Phelan, appointed in March, noted immediate action as a missing element in naval shipbuilding , directed expedited manufacturing of the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs.

The navy celebrations follow months of turmoil in the Defense Department as Secretary Hegseth restructures the military’s top leadership of the army, navy, air force and coast guard.

New Policies and Preparation Suggestions

In a controversial speech to military leaders last week, the defense secretary announced an end to progressive ideologies and introduced new directives that include uniform physical standards in fitness tests.

“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 affirmed.

During the gathering, the president suggested using US cities for military exercises for troops , spoke of needing military might to combat what he termed the “invasion from within”.