American Forces Target A Second Drug Vessel Near Venezuela's Coast, Trump Says
On Sunday, President Trump informed thousands of sailors that American military units targeted another boat unlawfully carrying narcotics off the shoreline of the South American nation the previous evening. He delivered this statement during an event celebrating the American navy's 250th anniversary held at Naval Station Norfolk located in Virginia.
Trump additionally stated asserting that the United States will now begin addressing narcotics smuggling occurring on land. It remained immediately clear whether Trump was referring to an operation announced last Friday from defense secretary Secretary Hegseth.
Naval Role in Counter-Drug Operations
During his speech, the president praised the navy for supporting the mission aimed at eliminate cartel terrorists from the seas. He claimed, “There are no boats in the water anymore. You can’t find them”.
US naval forces have also been deployed to join a military engagement with drug cartels, leading to multiple strikes across Caribbean waters on alleged speedboats 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 warned.
International Reaction and Juridical Issues
UN officials have condemned the US strikes—actions that Washington defends by claiming they counter “narco-terrorist” members belonging to the Tren de Aragua group, designated as a terrorist entity, in international waters—as unlawful killings.
Last month, United Nations experts declared, “Governments are not permitted under international law to summarily execute suspected drug traffickers”. They further noted, “Criminal activities should be disrupted, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the rule of law, including through international cooperation”.
Navy Celebrations Amid Federal Closure
The navy celebrations take place amid a shutdown of the US government that has left some military personnel working unpaid. Trump blamed Democrats for causing the shutdown , attempting “to destroy this wonderful celebration of the US Navy’s Birthday”.
Friday evening, the president 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 Capacity and Command Changes
Trump vowed to restore the navy’s vessel construction capability after concerns indicating the service is in danger of forfeiting its position as the world’s dominant naval power.
America's naval fleet is at its smallest size since before World War II, while state-subsidized China's shipbuilding yards have surpassed the productivity of US shipyards.
Navy secretary John Phelan, appointed in March, has identified immediate action as a missing element in naval shipbuilding , directed expedited manufacturing for new submarine classes.
The naval festivities come after a period of upheaval in the Defense Department while Secretary Hegseth rearranges the military’s top leadership across various service branches.
New Directives and Preparation Proposals
In a controversial address to military leaders recently, the defense secretary declared an end of “woke” culture , introduced new directives such as “gender-neutral” or “male-level” 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 affirmed.
During the gathering, the president suggested using American urban areas for military exercises for troops , spoke of needing armed strength to address what he termed the “invasion from within”.
