US Military Strike A Second Narcotics Vessel Near Venezuela's Shoreline, Trump Says
On Sunday, Donald Trump informed a large gathering of naval personnel that American military units targeted another boat illegally carrying narcotics near the coast of the South American nation on Saturday night. The president delivered these remarks at an event marking the US navy’s two hundred and fiftieth birthday held at the Norfolk naval base in Virginia.
Trump further declared asserting that America will now start focusing on drug trafficking occurring on land. This was not certain if Trump mentioned a strike revealed on Friday from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.
Naval Involvement in Counter-Drug Operations
During the address, Trump praised naval forces for supporting operations aimed at eliminate cartel terrorists from the seas. Trump asserted, “There are no boats in the water anymore. You can’t find them”.
The navy has also been deployed to join an armed conflict with drug cartels, leading to multiple attacks across Caribbean waters on alleged speedboats 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.
Global Response and Juridical Concerns
UN officials has censured American military actions—actions that the US defends by claiming they target “narco-terrorist” members belonging to the Tren de Aragua group, classified as a terrorist entity, in international waters—labeling them unlawful killings.
In September, United Nations experts declared, “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”.
Naval Celebrations Amid Federal Closure
The naval anniversary events take place during a closure of the US government which has left numerous military personnel serving without pay. Trump blamed Democrats of enabling the shutdown , attempting “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.
Friday evening, Trump posted 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”.
Restoring Naval Capacity and Leadership Changes
Trump has pledged to rebuild the navy’s vessel construction capability following warnings indicating the navy is in danger of losing its position as the globe's dominant naval power.
America's naval fleet stands at its smallest size since prior to World War II, while government-supported China's shipbuilding yards have surpassed the productivity of US shipyards.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, who was confirmed this spring, noted “urgency” as lacking in warship production and ordered expedited manufacturing for the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs.
The naval festivities follow a period of upheaval in the Defense Department while Hegseth restructures the armed forces' senior command of the army, navy, air force and coast guard.
New Directives and Preparation Proposals
In a controversial speech to military leaders recently, Hegseth announced 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 affirmed.
At the meeting, Trump proposed using US cities for military exercises for the armed forces and discussed requiring armed strength to combat what he called an internal invasion.
