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Sunday, President Trump informed thousands of naval personnel stating that American military units had struck another boat illegally transporting narcotics near the coast of Venezuela the previous evening. The president delivered this statement at an event marking the American navy's two hundred and fiftieth birthday held at the Norfolk naval base located in Virginia.

Trump further stated that the United States would now start addressing narcotics smuggling taking place overland. This was not immediately clear whether he was referring to a strike revealed last Friday by Pentagon chief Secretary Hegseth.

Naval Role in Counter-Drug Operations

During his speech, Trump commended the navy for supporting the mission aimed at eliminate cartel terrorists from the seas. Trump claimed, “No more boats remain in the water. They are impossible to locate”.

US naval forces have also been utilized to join an armed conflict against drug cartels, resulting in multiple attacks across Caribbean waters targeting alleged fast-boats engaged 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,” Trump warned.

International Reaction and Juridical Issues

The United Nations has condemned the US strikes—which the US justifies by claiming they counter narco-terrorist individuals belonging to the Tren de Aragua group, designated as a terrorist entity, in international waters—labeling them extrajudicial executions.

In September, United Nations experts stated, “International law does not allow governments to simply murder alleged drug traffickers”. The UN further noted, “Criminal activities should be disrupted, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the rule of law, including through international cooperation”.

Navy Events During Federal Closure

The naval anniversary events occur during a closure of the federal government that has resulted in some armed forces members working without pay. Trump blamed opposition Democrats of enabling the government closure and trying “to destroy this wonderful celebration of the US Navy’s Birthday”.

On Friday night, 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 Command Shifts

The president vowed to restore the navy’s shipbuilding capacity following concerns that the navy risks forfeiting its status as the globe's leading maritime force.

The US fleet stands at its lowest numbers from prior to World War II, whereas state-subsidized China's shipbuilding yards have surpassed the output of US shipyards.

Secretary of the Navy Phelan, who was confirmed this spring, noted immediate action as a missing element in naval shipbuilding and directed an accelerated production schedule for the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs.

The navy celebrations come after a period of turmoil at the Pentagon as Secretary Hegseth rearranges the military’s senior command across various service branches.

Recent Directives and Preparation Suggestions

In a controversial speech to senior officers last week, Hegseth declared an end to progressive ideologies , introduced updated policies that include “gender-neutral” or “male-level” 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,” Hegseth affirmed.

During the gathering, Trump proposed utilizing American urban areas for military exercises for the armed forces and discussed needing military might to address what he called the “invasion from within”.