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On Sunday, President Trump informed thousands of naval personnel stating that US forces targeted another boat illegally carrying narcotics off the coast of the South American nation on Saturday night. The president delivered these remarks during an event marking the US navy’s 250th anniversary at Naval Station Norfolk located in Virginia.

Trump additionally stated asserting that the United States will also begin addressing narcotics smuggling taking place on land. This was not certain if Trump mentioned a strike announced on Friday from defense secretary Secretary Hegseth.

Naval Involvement in Anti-Narcotics Operations

During his speech, Trump praised naval forces their support of operations to eliminate cartel terrorists from the seas. He claimed, “No more boats remain in the water. They are impossible to locate”.

US naval forces have additionally been utilized in an armed conflict against drug cartels, leading to four strikes in the Caribbean targeting alleged 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,” Trump stated.

International Reaction and Legal Concerns

The United Nations have censured the US strikes—which the US justifies by claiming they counter “narco-terrorist” members of the Tren de Aragua group, classified a foreign terrorist organization, in international waters—labeling them extrajudicial executions.

In September, the UN stated, “Governments are not permitted under international law to summarily execute suspected drug traffickers”. The UN added, “Illegal activities must be disrupted, examined, and prosecuted following legal standards, with international collaboration”.

Navy Celebrations During Federal Shutdown

The naval anniversary events take place amid a shutdown of the US government that has left some military personnel serving unpaid. The president blamed opposition Democrats of enabling the shutdown , 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”.

Rebuilding Maritime Strength and Leadership Shifts

Trump has pledged to restore the navy’s vessel construction capability after concerns indicating the service is in danger of forfeiting its position as the world’s leading maritime force.

The US fleet is at its smallest size from prior to World War II, while state-subsidized China's shipbuilding yards exceed the output of US shipyards.

Navy secretary Phelan, appointed in March, noted “urgency” as a missing element in warship production , ordered expedited manufacturing for new submarine classes.

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

Recent Directives and Preparation Proposals

During a contentious address to senior officers recently, the defense secretary announced an end of “woke” culture and introduced 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,” Hegseth affirmed.

During the gathering, the president suggested using American urban areas for military exercises for the armed forces , spoke of needing military might to combat what he called the “invasion from within”.