The United States has officially launched a major military campaign targeting drug trafficking networks in Latin America, raising concerns about escalating regional tensions, particularly with Venezuela.
New Military Operation Announced
United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed the new initiative called Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR through a social media announcement on Thursday. The Pentagon chief declared that this mission would be led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
"This mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people," Hegseth stated in his post on platform X.
Military Buildup in the Region
The announcement follows significant naval deployments to the Caribbean and Latin American waters. Last week, the USS Gerald R Ford, recognized as the world's largest aircraft carrier, arrived in the region, adding to what observers describe as a substantial naval buildup.
Washington maintains that its increased military presence aims to combat transnational criminal organizations and protect American citizens from the flow of illicit drugs. As part of this anti-drug campaign, the US military has conducted strikes against multiple vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, identifying them as "drug boats." These operations have reportedly resulted in dozens of casualties.
Growing Tensions with Venezuela
The US actions have significantly heightened diplomatic and military tensions throughout Latin America, with Venezuela emerging as the primary point of contention. American officials have alleged that drug smugglers maintain connections with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Maduro has vehemently denied these accusations, countering that the United States is "fabricating a new war." The Venezuelan leader asserts that the true objective behind the US military deployment is to remove him from power. Maduro has characterized the American naval presence as "the greatest threat our continent has faced in the past 100 years."
The Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which leads this operation, represents one of eleven unified combatant commands in the US military. Its responsibilities include contingency planning, operations, and security cooperation across 31 countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
