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Sunday, Donald Trump told thousands of naval personnel that American military units had struck another vessel illegally transporting narcotics off the shoreline of Venezuela the previous evening. The president made this statement at a ceremony marking the American navy's two hundred and fiftieth birthday held at Naval Station Norfolk located in Virginia.

Trump further stated that America would also begin addressing drug trafficking occurring on land. This was not certain whether Trump mentioned a strike announced last Friday from Pentagon chief Secretary Hegseth.

Navy's 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”. Trump claimed, “There are no boats in the water anymore. You can’t find them”.

The navy have additionally been deployed in an armed conflict against drug cartels, resulting in multiple strikes in the Caribbean targeting what the administration says are speedboats 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 warned.

Global Reaction and Legal Concerns

UN officials has censured the US strikes—which the US justifies by claiming they counter narco-terrorist members of Tren de Aragua, designated a foreign terrorist organization, on the high seas—as unlawful killings.

In September, the UN stated, “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 Events During Federal Shutdown

The navy celebrations take place amid a closure of the US government that has left numerous armed forces members working unpaid. The president blamed Democrats for causing the government closure , attempting “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.

Friday evening, the president 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 Leadership Shifts

The president has pledged to restore the naval shipbuilding capacity following concerns indicating the navy risks losing its position as the globe's dominant maritime force.

The US fleet is at its lowest numbers since prior to World War II, while state-subsidized Chinese shipyards have surpassed the output of US shipyards.

Navy secretary Phelan, appointed in March, has identified immediate action as a missing element in naval shipbuilding and directed expedited manufacturing of new submarine classes.

The navy celebrations follow a period of turmoil at the Pentagon as Secretary Hegseth rearranges the armed forces' senior command of the army, navy, air force and coast guard.

Recent Directives and Training Suggestions

During a contentious speech to senior officers last week, Hegseth announced an end to progressive ideologies , introduced updated policies such as 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, the president proposed utilizing US cities as training grounds for the armed forces and discussed requiring armed strength to combat what he called the “invasion from within”.