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Sunday, President Trump informed a large gathering of naval personnel that US forces had struck another vessel illegally transporting drugs near the coast of the South American nation the previous evening. He made this statement during a ceremony marking the US navy’s two hundred and fiftieth birthday held at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

Trump further stated asserting that America will now start addressing drug trafficking occurring overland. It remained immediately clear if Trump was referring to a strike revealed last Friday by Pentagon chief Secretary Hegseth.

Naval Involvement in Counter-Drug Operations

During the address, Trump commended the navy their support of operations to “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 has also been deployed to join a military engagement against narcotics organizations, resulting in four attacks across Caribbean waters targeting what the administration says are fast-boats involved 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 stated.

International Reaction and Juridical Issues

The United Nations have censured American military actions—which the US justifies by claiming they counter narco-terrorist individuals belonging to the Tren de Aragua group, classified a foreign terrorist organization, on the high seas—as unlawful killings.

In September, the UN stated, “International law does not allow governments to simply murder alleged drug traffickers”. They further noted, “Criminal activities should be disrupted, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the rule of law, including through international cooperation”.

Naval Events During Federal Closure

The naval anniversary events take place during a shutdown of the federal government which has resulted in numerous military personnel serving without pay. The president blamed 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, “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”.

Restoring Naval Capacity and Leadership Changes

Trump has pledged to rebuild the navy’s shipbuilding capability following warnings indicating the navy is in danger of forfeiting its status as the globe's leading naval power.

The US fleet is at its lowest numbers since prior to World War II, whereas state-subsidized China's shipbuilding yards have surpassed the productivity of US shipyards.

Navy secretary John Phelan, appointed this spring, has identified “urgency” as lacking in naval shipbuilding and directed expedited manufacturing of the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs.

The navy celebrations follow months of upheaval in the Defense Department while Secretary Hegseth rearranges the military’s senior command of the army, navy, air force and coast guard.

New Directives and Preparation Suggestions

In a controversial address to military leaders recently, the defense secretary declared a termination to progressive ideologies , unveiled new directives such as “gender-neutral” or “male-level” 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 affirmed.

At the meeting, the president proposed using US cities for military exercises for troops , spoke of requiring armed strength to combat what he called an internal invasion.