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On Sunday, President Trump told thousands of sailors stating that US forces targeted a second vessel unlawfully carrying drugs near the coast of the South American nation the previous evening. He made these remarks during an event marking the American navy's 250th anniversary held at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

Trump further declared asserting that the United States would also begin focusing on drug trafficking occurring overland. It was not immediately clear whether Trump was referring to an operation announced on Friday from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.

Naval Role in Counter-Drug Missions

In his speech, Trump praised the navy for supporting operations to “blow the cartel terrorists the hell out of the water”. Trump claimed, “No more boats remain in the water. They are impossible to locate”.

The navy has additionally been deployed in an armed conflict with narcotics organizations, leading to multiple attacks in the Caribbean targeting what the administration says are speedboats involved 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.

International Reaction and Legal Issues

UN officials have condemned the US strikes—which Washington defends as target “narco-terrorist” individuals belonging to the Tren de Aragua group, designated as a terrorist entity, on the high seas—labeling them extrajudicial executions.

Last month, the UN declared, “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”.

Navy Events Amid Federal Closure

The navy celebrations occur amid a shutdown of the US government which has resulted in some military personnel serving unpaid. The president blamed opposition Democrats for causing the shutdown and attempting “to destroy this wonderful celebration of the US Navy’s Birthday”.

Friday evening, Trump wrote 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 naval shipbuilding capacity after warnings that the navy risks forfeiting its position as the globe's leading maritime force.

America's naval fleet stands at its smallest size since before the second world war, while government-supported China's shipbuilding yards exceed the output of American yards.

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, who was confirmed this spring, has identified “urgency” as lacking in naval shipbuilding and ordered expedited manufacturing for new submarine classes.

The navy celebrations follow months of turmoil at the Pentagon as Hegseth rearranges the military’s top leadership of the army, navy, air force and coast guard.

New Directives and Training Suggestions

During a contentious address to military leaders last week, Hegseth declared an end of “woke” culture and unveiled updated policies that include uniform physical standards in fitness tests.

“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,” the secretary stated.

During the gathering, the president suggested utilizing American urban areas as training grounds for the armed forces , discussed requiring armed strength to address what he termed the “invasion from within”.