🔗 Share this article

On Sunday, Donald Trump informed thousands of sailors stating that US forces had struck a second boat illegally carrying narcotics off the shoreline of the South American nation on Saturday night. He delivered this statement at an event marking the American navy's 250th anniversary held at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

The president additionally declared asserting that the United States will also start addressing drug trafficking occurring overland. It was not immediately clear whether Trump mentioned a strike revealed on Friday from Pentagon chief Secretary Hegseth.

Naval Role in Anti-Narcotics Operations

In the address, the president praised the navy for supporting operations aimed at eliminate cartel terrorists from the seas. Trump asserted, “There are no boats in the water anymore. You can’t find them”.

The navy has additionally been utilized in a military engagement with drug cartels, resulting in four attacks across Caribbean waters on what the administration says are fast-boats engaged in narcotics smuggling.

“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 warned.

International Reaction and Juridical Concerns

UN officials have censured American military actions—which Washington defends as target “narco-terrorist” members of Tren de Aragua, classified as a terrorist entity, in international waters—labeling them extrajudicial executions.

Last month, the UN declared, “International law does not allow governments to simply murder alleged drug traffickers”. The UN added, “Criminal activities should be disrupted, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the rule of law, including through international cooperation”.

Navy Events During Government Closure

The navy celebrations take place during a shutdown of the US government which has left some military personnel working unpaid. The president blamed opposition Democrats for causing the shutdown and attempting “to destroy this wonderful celebration of the US Navy’s Birthday”.

Friday evening, the president 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”.

Restoring Maritime Capacity and Leadership Changes

Trump vowed to restore the naval vessel construction capability following warnings indicating the service risks forfeiting its status as the globe's dominant naval power.

The US fleet stands at its smallest size since prior to the second world war, whereas state-subsidized Chinese shipyards exceed the productivity of American yards.

Secretary of the Navy Phelan, appointed this spring, noted immediate action as a missing element in warship production and directed expedited manufacturing for new submarine classes.

The naval festivities come after a period of upheaval in the Defense Department as Hegseth rearranges the military’s top leadership of the army, navy, air force and coast guard.

Recent Policies and Preparation Proposals

During a contentious speech to senior officers last week, the defense secretary announced an end of “woke” culture and unveiled updated policies that include uniform physical 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 affirmed.

During the gathering, Trump proposed using US cities as training grounds for the armed forces and spoke of requiring armed strength to combat what he termed an internal invasion.