American Forces Target A Second Drug Vessel Off Venezuela's Shoreline, President Trump Says

On Sunday, Donald Trump informed a large gathering of sailors that US forces had struck a second vessel illegally transporting drugs off the shoreline of Venezuela on Saturday night. He made these remarks during an event marking the US navy’s two hundred and fiftieth birthday held at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

The president further stated asserting that the United States will now start addressing drug trafficking taking place on land. It was not certain if Trump was referring to an operation revealed last Friday by defense secretary Pete Hegseth.

Naval Involvement in Anti-Narcotics Operations

In the address, Trump commended the navy for supporting the mission to “blow the cartel terrorists the hell out of the water”. Trump asserted, “There are no boats in the water anymore. You can’t find them”.

US naval forces has also been utilized to join an armed conflict with narcotics organizations, resulting in multiple attacks in the Caribbean on what the administration says are fast-boats involved 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,” Trump stated.

International Response and Juridical Issues

UN officials has censured American military actions—actions that the US defends by claiming they counter narco-terrorist members of the Tren de Aragua group, classified as a terrorist entity, on the high seas—as extrajudicial executions.

Last month, the UN declared, “International law does not allow governments to simply murder alleged 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 Events Amid Government Closure

The naval anniversary events take place amid a shutdown of the US government which has resulted in some military personnel serving without pay. Trump has accused Democrats of enabling the government closure and trying “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.

Friday evening, the president wrote 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”.

Rebuilding Naval Strength and Leadership Changes

Trump vowed to restore the navy’s shipbuilding capacity following warnings indicating the navy is in danger of forfeiting its position as the world’s dominant maritime force.

America's naval fleet is at its lowest numbers since prior to World War II, whereas state-subsidized China's shipbuilding yards exceed the productivity of American yards.

Navy secretary Phelan, who was confirmed in March, has identified “urgency” as a missing element in warship production and ordered expedited manufacturing of new submarine classes.

The navy celebrations come after months of turmoil at the Pentagon as Secretary Hegseth rearranges the military’s top leadership across various service branches.

Recent Directives and Training Suggestions

During a contentious address to senior officers last week, Hegseth announced an end of “woke” culture , 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 proposed using American urban areas as training grounds for troops and spoke of requiring armed strength to address what he called the “invasion from within”.