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On Sunday, Donald Trump informed thousands of sailors stating that American military units had struck another vessel unlawfully transporting narcotics off the coast of the South American nation the previous evening. The president delivered this statement during a ceremony marking the American navy's 250th anniversary at Naval Station Norfolk located in Virginia.

Trump additionally stated asserting that the United States would also start addressing drug trafficking taking place on land. This remained certain if Trump mentioned a strike announced last Friday by defense secretary Pete Hegseth.

Naval Involvement in Anti-Narcotics Operations

In the address, Trump commended the navy for supporting the mission aimed at eliminate cartel terrorists from the seas. He asserted, “No more boats remain in the water. They are impossible to locate”.

The navy has additionally been deployed in a military engagement with narcotics organizations, resulting in four strikes in the Caribbean on alleged speedboats involved in narcotics smuggling.

“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 warned.

International Reaction and Legal Issues

UN officials have censured American military actions—which Washington justifies by claiming they target narco-terrorist individuals of Tren de Aragua, classified as a terrorist entity, in international waters—as unlawful killings.

Last month, the UN declared, “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”.

Naval Celebrations During Federal Shutdown

The navy celebrations occur during a closure of the federal government which has resulted in numerous military personnel working without pay. Trump has accused opposition Democrats of enabling the shutdown and attempting “to destroy this wonderful celebration of the US Navy’s Birthday”.

On Friday night, 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 Capacity and Leadership Shifts

Trump vowed to restore the naval shipbuilding capacity after concerns that the service risks losing its status as the globe's dominant maritime force.

America's naval fleet is at its smallest size since before World War II, whereas state-subsidized China's shipbuilding yards have surpassed the productivity of US shipyards.

Secretary of the Navy Phelan, appointed in March, noted “urgency” as a missing element in naval shipbuilding and ordered an accelerated production schedule of the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs.

The navy celebrations come after a period of upheaval in the Defense Department while Secretary Hegseth restructures the armed forces' top leadership of the army, navy, air force and coast guard.

New Policies and Preparation Suggestions

In a controversial address to military leaders recently, Hegseth declared an end of “woke” culture and introduced updated policies that include 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,” the secretary stated.

During the gathering, Trump suggested using US cities as training grounds for the armed forces , spoke of needing military might to address what he called the “invasion from within”.