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On Sunday, Donald Trump told a large gathering of naval personnel stating that American military units had struck a second vessel illegally transporting narcotics off the coast of the South American nation on Saturday night. He delivered these remarks during a ceremony celebrating the American navy's 250th anniversary at the Norfolk naval base located in Virginia.

The president further stated that America will also begin focusing on narcotics smuggling occurring on land. This remained certain if Trump was referring to an operation revealed last Friday by defense secretary Pete Hegseth.

Navy's Involvement in Anti-Narcotics Operations

During the address, the president commended naval forces 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 have also been utilized to join a military engagement against drug cartels, resulting in multiple attacks in the Caribbean on what the administration says are fast-boats engaged in narcotics smuggling.

“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,” Trump stated.

Global Response and Legal Concerns

The United Nations have condemned the US strikes—which the US defends as target “narco-terrorist” individuals of Tren de Aragua, classified a foreign terrorist organization, on the high seas—labeling them unlawful killings.

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

Naval Events Amid Government Closure

The naval anniversary events take place during a shutdown of the federal government that has resulted in numerous armed forces members working without pay. The president blamed opposition Democrats of enabling the government closure , 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”.

Rebuilding Naval Strength and Leadership Changes

Trump has pledged to rebuild the navy’s vessel construction capability after warnings indicating the service risks losing its status as the globe's dominant naval power.

The US fleet stands at its lowest numbers since before World War II, whereas state-subsidized Chinese shipyards exceed the output of US shipyards.

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, appointed this spring, has identified “urgency” as a missing element in warship production and directed an accelerated production schedule for new submarine classes.

The naval festivities come after a period of turmoil in the Defense Department while Hegseth rearranges the armed forces' top leadership of the army, navy, air force and coast guard.

New Directives and Training Proposals

In a controversial speech to senior officers recently, the defense secretary declared a termination of progressive ideologies , unveiled new directives such as 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 stated.

During the gathering, Trump proposed using American urban areas for military exercises for the armed forces , discussed requiring military might to address what he called an internal invasion.