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Sunday, President Trump informed thousands of naval personnel that American military units had struck another vessel unlawfully carrying drugs off the coast of Venezuela the previous evening. The president delivered these remarks during an event celebrating the American navy's 250th anniversary at the Norfolk naval base located in Virginia.

The president additionally declared asserting that the United States would also begin focusing on narcotics smuggling taking place overland. It remained certain whether he mentioned an operation announced on Friday by Pentagon chief Secretary Hegseth.

Navy's Role in Counter-Drug Missions

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

The navy have also been utilized to join a military engagement with drug cartels, leading to four strikes in the Caribbean targeting what the administration says are fast-boats engaged in drug trafficking.

“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 Reaction and Legal Concerns

The United Nations has condemned the US strikes—which Washington defends by claiming they target narco-terrorist individuals belonging to Tren de Aragua, classified a foreign terrorist organization, in international waters—labeling them extrajudicial executions.

Last month, United Nations experts declared, “International law does not allow governments to simply murder alleged drug traffickers”. They further noted, “Illegal activities must be disrupted, examined, and prosecuted following legal standards, with international collaboration”.

Naval Celebrations During Federal Closure

The navy celebrations occur amid a shutdown of the federal government that has left some military personnel working unpaid. Trump has accused opposition Democrats of enabling the government closure and trying “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.

Friday evening, the president wrote 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

Trump vowed to rebuild the navy’s shipbuilding capacity after concerns indicating the service risks losing its position as the world’s dominant maritime force.

The US fleet stands at its lowest numbers since before the second world war, whereas state-subsidized Chinese shipyards exceed the productivity of US shipyards.

Secretary of the Navy Phelan, who was confirmed in March, noted immediate action as a missing element in naval shipbuilding , ordered an accelerated production schedule for new submarine classes.

The naval festivities come after a period of turmoil in the Defense Department as Secretary Hegseth restructures the armed forces' senior command across various service branches.

Recent Directives and Training Suggestions

During a contentious address to senior officers recently, the defense secretary declared a termination of “woke” culture and introduced updated policies such as “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.

At the meeting, the president suggested utilizing US cities as training grounds for the armed forces and discussed requiring armed strength to combat what he termed the “invasion from within”.