American Forces Target A Second Drug Boat Near Venezuela's Shoreline, Trump Says

On Sunday, President Trump told thousands of naval personnel that American military units had struck a second boat unlawfully carrying narcotics off the coast of the South American nation the previous evening. The president made these remarks during an event marking the US navy’s two hundred and fiftieth birthday at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

Trump additionally stated that the United States will also start addressing narcotics smuggling occurring overland. It was not certain whether he was referring to a strike revealed last Friday from Pentagon chief Secretary Hegseth.

Naval Involvement in Counter-Drug Operations

In the address, Trump praised the navy for supporting the mission 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 have also been deployed in an armed conflict with drug cartels, resulting in multiple strikes across Caribbean waters on alleged fast-boats 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,” Trump warned.

Global Response and Juridical Concerns

The United Nations have censured the US strikes—actions that Washington defends by claiming they counter narco-terrorist individuals belonging to Tren de Aragua, designated as a terrorist entity, on the high seas—as extrajudicial executions.

Last month, the UN stated, “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 Amid Federal Shutdown

The navy celebrations take place during a shutdown of the US government that has left numerous military personnel serving unpaid. Trump blamed Democrats of enabling the shutdown , trying “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.

Friday evening, the president posted on social media, “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 Naval Strength and Leadership Shifts

The president vowed to rebuild the navy’s shipbuilding capacity following warnings indicating the navy is in danger of forfeiting its status as the world’s dominant naval power.

America's naval fleet is at its lowest numbers from prior to World War II, whereas state-subsidized Chinese shipyards exceed the productivity of US shipyards.

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

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

New Policies and Training Suggestions

During a contentious address to senior officers last week, the defense secretary declared an end to progressive ideologies , unveiled updated policies such as “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,” Hegseth affirmed.

During the gathering, Trump proposed utilizing American urban areas as training grounds for troops , spoke of needing armed strength to address what he termed the “invasion from within”.