United States Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, on Thursday unveiled a new military initiative aimed at “removing narco-terrorists,” amid rising concerns that the US naval build-up in Latin American waters could signal potential land strikes or a broader confrontation.
“Today, I’m announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR.
“This mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people,” Hegseth wrote on X.
The announcement provided no specifics on the operation’s scope or how it might differ from ongoing military actions.
Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the US has already been conducting a military campaign across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, deploying both naval and air forces in what is described as an anti-drugs effort.
According to US reports, forces have targeted roughly 20 vessels in international waters since early September, resulting in at least 76 fatalities.
When asked for further details about Operation Southern Spear, a Pentagon spokesperson referred all inquiries back to Hegseth’s X post.
CBS News reported Wednesday that multiple sources confirmed senior military officials had briefed Trump on updated plans for possible operations in Venezuela, which could include strikes on land.
In response, Venezuela announced Tuesday a large-scale, nationwide military deployment to counter what it views as the escalating US naval presence, including a newly arrived aircraft carrier strike group.
Caracas expressed concern that the deployment, which also involves F-35 stealth aircraft sent to Puerto Rico and six US Navy ships in the Caribbean—could be a veiled attempt at regime change.
