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On Sunday, President Trump informed thousands of sailors that US forces had struck another vessel unlawfully transporting drugs near the shoreline of Venezuela the previous evening. The president made this statement at an event marking the American navy's two hundred and fiftieth birthday at the Norfolk naval base in Virginia.

The president further stated asserting that America would now start addressing drug trafficking taking place on land. This was not certain if he was referring to an operation revealed on Friday by defense secretary Secretary Hegseth.

Naval Role in Counter-Drug Operations

During his speech, the president praised the navy their support of operations aimed at “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 also been utilized to join a military engagement with drug cartels, leading to multiple strikes across Caribbean waters targeting what the administration says are 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 stated.

International Response and Juridical Concerns

UN officials has censured American military actions—which the US justifies as target “narco-terrorist” members of the Tren de Aragua group, classified a foreign terrorist organization, in international waters—as extrajudicial executions.

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

Navy Events Amid Government Shutdown

The navy celebrations occur amid a closure of the US government that has left some armed forces members working unpaid. Trump has accused opposition Democrats for causing the shutdown , trying “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.

Friday evening, Trump posted 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”.

Restoring Naval Capacity and Leadership Changes

Trump has pledged to rebuild the navy’s vessel construction capability following warnings indicating the service is in danger of losing its position as the world’s leading maritime force.

The US fleet stands at its smallest size since prior to World War II, whereas state-subsidized China's shipbuilding yards exceed the output of American yards.

Secretary of the Navy Phelan, appointed this spring, noted immediate action as lacking in naval shipbuilding , ordered expedited manufacturing of the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs.

The naval festivities follow months of turmoil at the Pentagon as Secretary Hegseth restructures the military’s senior command across various service branches.

New Policies and Training Suggestions

During a contentious speech to senior officers recently, Hegseth announced a termination to progressive ideologies , unveiled updated policies that include “gender-neutral” or “male-level” standards for physical fitness.

“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.

At the meeting, the president proposed using American urban areas for military exercises for the armed forces and spoke of needing military might to combat what he termed the “invasion from within”.