US Military Target Another Drug Boat Near Venezuela's Coast, President Trump Announces

On Sunday, Donald Trump informed a large gathering of naval personnel stating that US forces targeted another boat illegally transporting narcotics near the shoreline of Venezuela on Saturday night. He made these remarks at a ceremony celebrating the American navy's two hundred and fiftieth birthday held at Naval Station Norfolk located in Virginia.

The president further declared asserting that the United States would now start focusing on drug trafficking occurring overland. It remained certain whether he mentioned a strike revealed on Friday by defense secretary Pete Hegseth.

Naval Role in Counter-Drug Missions

In his speech, Trump commended the navy for supporting the mission to eliminate cartel terrorists from the seas. He asserted, “No more boats remain in the water. They are impossible to locate”.

The navy has additionally been utilized to join an armed conflict with drug cartels, leading to multiple strikes across Caribbean waters on what the administration says are speedboats involved 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,” Trump warned.

International Response and Juridical Concerns

The United Nations has condemned American military actions—which Washington defends as counter “narco-terrorist” members 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, “Governments are not permitted under international law to summarily execute suspected drug traffickers”. The UN added, “Criminal activities should be disrupted, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the rule of law, including through international cooperation”.

Naval Celebrations During Federal Closure

The navy celebrations take place during a closure of the federal government which has resulted in numerous armed forces members working without pay. The president has accused opposition Democrats of enabling the government closure and attempting “to destroy this wonderful celebration of the US Navy’s Birthday”.

Friday evening, Trump wrote 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”.

Rebuilding Maritime Strength and Leadership Shifts

Trump vowed to rebuild the naval vessel construction capability after concerns indicating the navy risks forfeiting its position as the globe's leading naval power.

The US fleet stands at its lowest numbers since before World War II, whereas state-subsidized Chinese shipyards exceed the output of American yards.

Navy secretary John Phelan, appointed this spring, has identified “urgency” as a missing element in naval shipbuilding and directed an accelerated production schedule of new submarine classes.

The naval festivities come after months of upheaval in the Defense Department as Hegseth rearranges the armed forces' senior command of the army, navy, air force and coast guard.

New Directives and Training Proposals

In a controversial address to military leaders recently, Hegseth declared a termination to progressive ideologies , unveiled new directives 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,” the secretary stated.

At the meeting, Trump proposed using US cities for military exercises for the armed forces and spoke of needing military might to combat what he termed an internal invasion.