US Forces Target A Second Drug Boat Near Venezuelan Coast, President Trump Says
Sunday, President Trump informed thousands of naval personnel stating that US forces had struck another vessel illegally transporting narcotics near the coast of the South American nation the previous evening. The president delivered these remarks during an event celebrating the American navy's two hundred and fiftieth birthday at Naval Station Norfolk located in Virginia.
Trump further stated asserting that the United States will now begin focusing on drug trafficking taking place overland. It was not immediately clear if he was referring to a strike announced on Friday from defense secretary Secretary Hegseth.
Naval Involvement in Counter-Drug Missions
In the address, the president commended naval forces their support of operations to “blow the cartel terrorists the hell out of the water”. He claimed, “There are no boats in the water anymore. You can’t find them”.
US naval forces have additionally been utilized in a military engagement against drug cartels, leading to multiple strikes across Caribbean waters targeting what the administration says are 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.
International Reaction and Juridical Concerns
UN officials has condemned the US strikes—actions that Washington justifies by claiming they target narco-terrorist members of the Tren de Aragua group, designated a foreign terrorist organization, on the high seas—labeling them extrajudicial executions.
In September, the UN declared, “Governments are not permitted under international law to summarily execute suspected drug traffickers”. The UN further noted, “Illegal activities must be disrupted, examined, and prosecuted following legal standards, with international collaboration”.
Naval Celebrations Amid Federal Closure
The navy celebrations take place amid a closure of the federal government that has left numerous armed forces members serving unpaid. Trump has accused Democrats of enabling the government closure , trying “to destroy this wonderful celebration of the US Navy’s Birthday”.
On Friday night, 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 Command Changes
The president vowed to rebuild the navy’s shipbuilding capability after warnings indicating the service risks losing its position as the world’s leading maritime force.
America's naval fleet stands at its lowest numbers from prior to the second world war, while government-supported Chinese shipyards exceed the productivity of US shipyards.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, who was confirmed in March, has identified “urgency” as lacking in warship production and ordered expedited manufacturing for the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs.
The naval festivities come after a period of upheaval at the Pentagon as Secretary Hegseth rearranges the armed forces' top leadership of the army, navy, air force and coast guard.
Recent Directives and Training Proposals
In a controversial address to military leaders last week, Hegseth announced an end to progressive ideologies and introduced updated policies such as 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,” the secretary affirmed.
During the gathering, Trump suggested using US cities for military exercises for the armed forces and discussed requiring military might to address what he called an internal invasion.
