🔗 Share this article

On Sunday, President Trump informed thousands of sailors that US forces targeted another boat unlawfully transporting drugs near the coast of the South American nation the previous evening. The president made this statement at a ceremony celebrating the US navy’s 250th anniversary at Naval Station Norfolk located in Virginia.

The president further declared asserting that the United States will also start focusing on drug trafficking taking place overland. This was not immediately clear whether he was referring to a strike revealed last Friday by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.

Naval Role in Counter-Drug Operations

In the address, the president commended 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 to join an armed conflict with drug cartels, resulting in multiple attacks across Caribbean waters on alleged fast-boats engaged in drug trafficking.

“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,” the president warned.

Global Reaction and Legal Issues

UN officials have condemned American military actions—which Washington justifies as counter narco-terrorist individuals belonging to the Tren de Aragua group, classified as a terrorist entity, in international waters—labeling them unlawful killings.

Last month, United Nations experts stated, “International law does not allow governments to simply murder alleged drug traffickers”. The UN further noted, “Illegal activities must be disrupted, examined, and prosecuted following legal standards, with international collaboration”.

Navy Celebrations During Government Shutdown

The navy celebrations take place amid a closure of the federal government which has left some armed forces members working without pay. The president has accused Democrats of enabling the government closure , trying “to destroy this wonderful celebration of the US Navy’s Birthday”.

Friday evening, Trump 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”.

Restoring Maritime Capacity and Command Shifts

The president vowed to rebuild the naval vessel construction capacity after concerns indicating the service risks forfeiting its position as the globe's dominant maritime force.

The US fleet is at its lowest numbers from before the second world war, while government-supported Chinese shipyards exceed the productivity of US shipyards.

Secretary of the Navy Phelan, appointed this spring, noted “urgency” as a missing element in warship production , ordered expedited manufacturing for the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs.

The naval festivities come after months of upheaval in the Defense Department as Hegseth restructures the armed forces' senior command across various service branches.

New Policies and Preparation Proposals

In a controversial address to military leaders recently, Hegseth declared an end of “woke” culture , unveiled new directives that include uniform physical 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,” Hegseth affirmed.

During the gathering, the president proposed utilizing US cities for military exercises for the armed forces , discussed requiring armed strength to address what he called an internal invasion.