US Military Target A Second Drug Boat Near Venezuelan Coast, Trump Says

On Sunday, President Trump informed a large gathering of sailors stating that American military units targeted another boat unlawfully transporting drugs near the coast of Venezuela the previous evening. He made these remarks during a ceremony marking the American navy's two hundred and fiftieth birthday at the Norfolk naval base located in Virginia.

Trump further declared asserting that the United States would now begin focusing on narcotics smuggling taking place overland. It remained certain whether Trump was referring to a strike revealed on Friday from defense secretary Secretary Hegseth.

Naval Role in Anti-Narcotics Operations

In the address, Trump commended the navy their support of operations to “blow the cartel terrorists the hell out of the water”. Trump claimed, “There are no boats in the water anymore. You can’t find them”.

The navy has also been deployed to join a military engagement with narcotics organizations, 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,” the president warned.

Global Reaction and Legal Issues

UN officials have condemned American military actions—actions that Washington justifies as target narco-terrorist members of Tren de Aragua, designated a foreign terrorist organization, in international waters—labeling them unlawful killings.

In September, the UN stated, “International law does not allow governments to simply murder alleged drug traffickers”. The UN further noted, “Illegal activities must be disrupted, examined, and prosecuted following legal standards, with international collaboration”.

Naval Celebrations During Federal Closure

The navy celebrations occur amid a shutdown of the US government that has resulted in numerous military personnel serving without pay. The president has accused opposition Democrats for causing the shutdown , trying “to ruin the splendid commemoration of the Navy's anniversary”.

On Friday night, the president posted 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 Naval Capacity and Leadership Changes

Trump vowed to rebuild the navy’s shipbuilding capability after warnings that the service is in danger of forfeiting its position as the world’s dominant maritime force.

America's naval fleet stands at its lowest numbers from prior to the second world war, while government-supported China's shipbuilding yards exceed the productivity of American yards.

Secretary of the Navy Phelan, who was confirmed in March, has identified “urgency” as a missing element in naval shipbuilding and directed an accelerated production schedule for the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs.

The naval festivities follow a period of turmoil at the Pentagon as Secretary Hegseth restructures the armed forces' senior command of the army, navy, air force and coast guard.

New Directives and Preparation Proposals

During a contentious address to senior officers recently, the defense secretary announced an end to progressive ideologies , introduced updated policies such as “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,” Hegseth affirmed.

At the meeting, the president suggested utilizing US cities as training grounds for troops , discussed needing military might to address what he called the “invasion from within”.