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Sunday, President Trump informed thousands of sailors stating that American military units targeted another boat illegally carrying drugs near the coast of the South American nation on Saturday night. He delivered these remarks during a ceremony marking the US navy’s two hundred and fiftieth birthday at Naval Station Norfolk located in Virginia.

The president additionally declared that America would also start focusing on drug trafficking occurring on land. It was not certain if Trump was referring to an operation announced last Friday by defense secretary Secretary Hegseth.

Navy's Involvement in Counter-Drug Operations

In his speech, Trump commended naval forces their support of the mission to “blow the cartel terrorists the hell out of the water”. Trump asserted, “There are no boats in the water anymore. You can’t find them”.

The navy has also been utilized to join a military engagement against drug cartels, leading to four strikes across Caribbean waters on alleged fast-boats engaged in drug trafficking.

“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 Reaction and Juridical Issues

The United Nations has censured the US strikes—which the US justifies as counter “narco-terrorist” members belonging to the Tren de Aragua group, classified a foreign terrorist organization, in international waters—labeling them extrajudicial executions.

Last month, the UN declared, “Governments are not permitted under international law to summarily execute suspected drug traffickers”. They added, “Illegal activities must be disrupted, examined, and prosecuted following legal standards, with international collaboration”.

Navy Celebrations During Government Shutdown

The naval anniversary events occur amid a shutdown of the federal government which has left some armed forces members serving without pay. Trump blamed opposition Democrats for causing the government closure , attempting “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.

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”.

Restoring Naval Strength and Command Changes

The president vowed to rebuild the navy’s shipbuilding capacity following concerns indicating the service risks losing its position as the globe's leading maritime force.

The US fleet stands at its smallest size from before World War II, while state-subsidized China's shipbuilding yards exceed the output of US shipyards.

Navy secretary Phelan, who was confirmed in March, has identified immediate action as lacking in naval shipbuilding , directed an accelerated production schedule of the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs.

The naval festivities come after a period of upheaval at the Pentagon as Secretary Hegseth restructures the military’s senior command of the army, navy, air force and coast guard.

Recent Directives and Training Suggestions

During a contentious speech to military leaders last week, the defense secretary declared an end to “woke” culture and introduced updated policies such as “gender-neutral” or “male-level” 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, the president suggested utilizing US cities as training grounds for troops , spoke of requiring armed strength to combat what he termed an internal invasion.