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Sunday, Donald Trump told thousands of sailors stating that American military units had struck another vessel illegally carrying narcotics off the shoreline of the South American nation on Saturday night. The president made these remarks at a ceremony celebrating the US navy’s two hundred and fiftieth birthday held at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

The president additionally stated asserting that America would also start addressing narcotics smuggling taking place on land. This was not immediately clear whether he mentioned a strike announced on Friday by defense secretary Secretary Hegseth.

Navy's Involvement in Anti-Narcotics Missions

In the address, the president praised naval forces their support of the mission aimed at eliminate cartel terrorists from the seas. He claimed, “No more boats remain in the water. They are impossible to locate”.

The navy have also been utilized to join an armed conflict against narcotics organizations, resulting in four strikes across Caribbean waters on what the administration says are fast-boats 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 warned.

International Reaction and Legal Issues

The United Nations have condemned the US strikes—which Washington defends as target narco-terrorist members belonging to the Tren de Aragua group, classified as a terrorist entity, in international waters—as unlawful killings.

In September, the UN declared, “International law does not allow governments to simply murder alleged drug traffickers”. They further noted, “Illegal activities must be disrupted, examined, and prosecuted following legal standards, with international collaboration”.

Naval Events Amid Federal Closure

The naval anniversary events take place amid a shutdown of the US government that has resulted in some military personnel serving without pay. Trump blamed Democrats of enabling the shutdown and trying “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.

Friday evening, Trump posted 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”.

Rebuilding Maritime Capacity and Command Changes

Trump vowed to restore the navy’s vessel construction capability after warnings that the navy is in danger of losing its position as the world’s dominant naval power.

America's naval fleet is at its smallest size since before the second world war, while government-supported Chinese shipyards exceed the productivity of American yards.

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

The navy celebrations come after months of turmoil at the Pentagon while Secretary Hegseth restructures the armed forces' senior command across various service branches.

New Policies and Preparation Proposals

In a controversial address to military leaders last week, the defense secretary announced a termination of “woke” culture , introduced updated policies that include “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,” Hegseth stated.

At the meeting, Trump proposed utilizing American urban areas for military exercises for troops and spoke of needing armed strength to combat what he termed an internal invasion.