American Forces Target Another Drug Boat Near Venezuela's Coast, President Trump Says
On Sunday, President Trump informed a large gathering of sailors that US forces had struck a second vessel unlawfully carrying narcotics off the shoreline of the South American nation on Saturday night. He delivered these remarks during an event marking the American navy's two hundred and fiftieth birthday at the Norfolk naval base in Virginia.
Trump further declared that America would also begin focusing on narcotics smuggling occurring overland. It remained certain whether he mentioned an operation announced last Friday by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.
Naval Role in Counter-Drug Operations
During his speech, the president praised the navy for supporting operations aimed at eliminate cartel terrorists from the seas. Trump claimed, “There are no boats in the water anymore. You can’t find them”.
The navy have additionally been deployed to join a military engagement against narcotics organizations, leading to multiple attacks across Caribbean waters on what the administration says are speedboats 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 stated.
International Reaction and Juridical Issues
The United Nations have censured the US strikes—which Washington defends by claiming they counter “narco-terrorist” members of the Tren de Aragua group, designated a foreign terrorist organization, on the high seas—as unlawful killings.
In September, the UN stated, “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”.
Navy Celebrations Amid Federal Closure
The naval anniversary events occur amid a shutdown of the US government that has left numerous armed forces members working unpaid. Trump blamed Democrats for causing the shutdown and trying “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.
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”.
Restoring Maritime Strength and Command Shifts
The president vowed to rebuild the navy’s shipbuilding capability after concerns that the navy risks forfeiting its position as the globe's leading naval power.
The US fleet stands at its smallest size since before World War II, whereas state-subsidized Chinese shipyards exceed the output of US shipyards.
Secretary of the Navy Phelan, who was confirmed this spring, has identified immediate action as lacking in naval shipbuilding , directed an accelerated production schedule of new submarine classes.
The naval festivities come after months of turmoil at the Pentagon while Hegseth rearranges the armed forces' senior command across various service branches.
New Directives and Training Suggestions
In a controversial speech to military leaders recently, Hegseth declared an end of progressive ideologies , introduced new directives that include “gender-neutral” or “male-level” standards for physical fitness.
“The only mission of the newly restored Department of War is this: warfighting, preparing for war and preparing to win, unrelenting and uncompromising in that pursuit not because we want war, no one here wants war, but it’s because we love peace,” the secretary stated.
At the meeting, the president suggested utilizing American urban areas as training grounds for the armed forces , discussed needing armed strength to address what he termed an internal invasion.
