US Military Target A Second Drug Boat Near Venezuelan Shoreline, President Trump Says
On Sunday, President Trump told a large gathering of sailors that US forces targeted another boat unlawfully transporting narcotics off the shoreline of Venezuela the previous evening. He delivered these remarks at a ceremony celebrating the US navy’s two hundred and fiftieth birthday at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.
The president additionally stated that the United States will now begin focusing on narcotics smuggling taking place overland. This was not certain whether he was referring to a strike revealed last Friday from Pentagon chief Secretary Hegseth.
Naval Involvement in Anti-Narcotics Operations
During his speech, the president praised the navy their support of the mission 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”.
US naval forces has additionally been utilized to join a military engagement against drug cartels, leading to multiple strikes in the Caribbean on 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,” the president stated.
International Reaction and Legal Concerns
UN officials have condemned American military actions—actions that Washington defends as target “narco-terrorist” members belonging to Tren de Aragua, classified as a terrorist entity, in international waters—as unlawful killings.
Last month, United Nations experts stated, “Governments are not permitted under international law to summarily execute suspected 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 Celebrations Amid Government Closure
The naval anniversary events take place during a closure of the federal government that has resulted in some armed forces members working without pay. The president blamed Democrats of enabling the government closure , attempting “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.
On Friday night, Trump posted on social media, “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 Strength and Command Shifts
The president has pledged to restore the navy’s shipbuilding capacity following concerns indicating the service risks losing its position as the globe's leading maritime force.
The US fleet is at its lowest numbers since before World War II, while state-subsidized Chinese shipyards exceed the output of American yards.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, who was confirmed this spring, noted “urgency” as a missing element in warship production , directed expedited manufacturing of new submarine classes.
The naval festivities come after months of upheaval at the Pentagon as Secretary Hegseth rearranges the armed forces' senior command of the army, navy, air force and coast guard.
New Policies and Preparation Proposals
During a contentious speech to senior officers recently, Hegseth announced a termination of progressive ideologies and unveiled new directives that include 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,” the secretary affirmed.
During the gathering, the president suggested using American urban areas for military exercises for the armed forces , spoke of needing military might to address what he called the “invasion from within”.
